The ICC announced the nominees for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025, with three of the game's longest-format stars. Two South African stars from their record-breaking ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 victory and one reliable Sri Lankan opener lead the shortlist.

Aiden Markram (South Africa)

South African opener Aiden Markram was the fulcrum of his team's WTC Final triumph at Lord's, delivering when it mattered. First, he did so with the ball, bowling out Steve Smith with his sixth ball after the Australian had settled in during a handy partnership with Beau Webster.

Markram made a forgettable batting debut in the first innings, bowled without a run by Mitchell Starc. But Markram left his stamp of class in the second innings. South Africa was chasing a tall 282 at that time, and Markram took the stage after the early fall of Ryan Rickelton. He formed crucial partnerships with Wiaan Mulder and captain Temba Bavuma, who was nursing an injury. Markram even comforted Bavuma in the dressing room, exhibiting calm leadership under pressure.

He continued to score a regal 136, leading South Africa to their five-wicket victory and first ICC senior men's title in 27 years. Markram also removed the last wicket of Australia's second innings, having Josh Hazlewood out to seal the deal with both bat and ball.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Rabada spearheaded South Africa's pace group with customary aggression and accuracy in the WTC Final. In a swing-friendly Day 1 at Lord's, he got the ball rolling by dismissing Usman Khawaja and then went on to take his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests. His 33.4 overs through the air for the match returned nine wickets for only 110 runs.

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He became almost unplayable at times, sending away important batsmen such as Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon in the second innings. Rabada's work ensured that Australia never got away with the game. He finished the Test fourth on South Africa's list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 336 wickets, having gone past Allan Donald.

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s dependable opener Pathum Nissanka had a phenomenal start to the new WTC cycle, notching back-to-back centuries in the home Test series against Bangladesh. After Bangladesh posted 495 in Galle, Nissanka responded with a career-best 187, which included 24 boundaries and a six. His effort helped Sri Lanka come within 10 runs of the total.

Following a difficult 32-over phase towards the end of the game, Nissanka's grit secured 24 in a tense second innings, securing a draw. In the second Test, he complemented it with another brilliant knock of 158, studded with 19 fours. His brilliant batting helped Sri Lanka post a 211-run lead, setting the stage for a crucial innings-and-78-run win and a 1-0 series win.

In June, all the nominees performed game-altering pieces of work, either through series-defining consistency or under extremely tight final situations. The ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025 is now open to vote for by fans.

Finally, South Africa managed to win an ICC trophy by beating Australia in the 2025 WTC final at lords, which wiped out their chokers tag. Chasing 282 was a tough ask, but Aiden Markram's 136 and captain Temba Bavuma's 66 made things look simple. Pacer Kagiso Rabada played his part, claiming 9 wickets in the entire match.

Aiden Markram was announced the player of the match. The right-hander was also a part of the under-19 World Cup team that won the trophy in 2014 in the UAE. In this piece, we highlight three South African players who were part of both the 2025 WTC final as well as the 2014 Under-19 World Cup final team:

1.Aiden Markram

Markram was the core of the South African batting lineup in the 2025 WTC final. The right-hander got out for a duck in the first innings but scored a stupendous 136 in the second innings, helping his team chase 282 in difficult playing conditions. Markram showcased a calm temperament and batted with assurance.

The 30-year-old was the captain of the under-19 team that won the 2014 under-19 World Cup in the UAE. In that tournament, he scored 370 runs with an average of 123.33 and a strike rate of 77.89, scoring 2 centuries and 1 half century. Markram scored 66 in the final of that tournament against Pakistan, where South Africa needed just 132 to win the final. In that tournament, Markram was named the man of the tournament.

2.Kagiso Rabada

Rabada played a crucial role in the 2025 WTC final as his performance laid the foundation for South Africa's win. The pacer took full advantage after South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The 30-year-old cracked open the Australian batting line-up in the first innings, claiming 5/51 and taking crucial wickets. In the second innings, he registered figures of 4/59. 

Rabada was also a key figure during the 2104 under-19 World Cup in UAE when he claimed 10 wickets in the tournament with best figures of 6/25 against Australia in the semi-final, an economy rate of 3.10 and an average of 10.28. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in that tournament. In the final against Pakistan, his figures were 28/1 which were quite impressive as he didn't allow the Pakistani batters to score easily.

See Also:"Probably the best innings.." Former SA-born English star awestruck after Markram's match-winning heroics in WTC Final

3. Corbin Bosch

Bosch is amongst the most exciting all rounders in South African set up at the moment. He was included in the 2025 WTC final playing XI. He made his test debut last year against Pakistan, where he claimed 4/63 in the first innings of the first test at Centurion and also scored an impressive unbeaten 81.

The 30-year-old all-rounder was the player of the match during the final of the 2014 Under-19 World Cup against Pakistan in the UAE when he registered figures of 4/15 and also claimed 9 wickets in that tournament with an average of 14.66 and an economy rate of 3.25.

South Africa surprised everyone with an inspiring win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas managed to shed their chokers tag by winning an ICC event after a long time. South Africa showcased tremendous temperament in challenging playing conditions with their committed resolve.

Team India is all set to play a five-match test series against England from next week, and this win can be a motivational source for Team India. Team India will find the playing conditions tough, as it is difficult to beat England at home. Team India can certainly learn from South Africa on how to prepare for a challenging task. We discuss three key points that India can learn from South Africa as far as taking on England in England is concerned:

1. Preparing in the right manner

South Africa prepared well ahead of the WTC final as most of their players were recalled from franchise tournaments, including the IPL. The results were clearly visible as pacer Kagiso Rabada had enough time to prepare, and he was the one who played a crucial role in the win. He took 9 wickets in the entire match. He didn't even play the playoffs for the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Aiden Markram didn't play the last league match for Lucknow Super Giants against RCB to join the national team.

His century in the fourth innings turned out to be crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, key Team India players couldn't get preparation time during the 2023 WTC final due to IPL commitments, while some Australian players didn't play the 2023 IPL to prepare for the 2023 WTC final, and the result was visible.  

2.Dealing with Injuries and the team rebuilding phase

Former South African captain Dean Elgar's retirement call after the home test series against India was surprising. It was South Africa's first series of a new cycle, due to which they had to go back to a backup plan, and they had to appoint Temba Bavuma in a very short time. The team needed time to adjust under the leadership of a new captain. South Africa could hardly match Team India in the WTC points table during that period, and the team lost to a New Zealand team, which had new players. Players like Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger's injuries gave the team management a tough time and they had to face problems while adding new players.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson etc played their part during the entire WTC campaign. These players have added depth and enough options in the dugout. The Indian team is also in a similar situation in test cricket as they too are under a rebuilding phase in the five-day format after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It would be interesting to see how they cope up with this phase that could define their position in the next WTC cycle.

Also See:Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

3. Adjusting to conditions

South Africa won the toss in the final and elected to bowl first, knowing that the conditions and wicket would aid the batters as the match progressed, even though the conditions were overcast on the first day. South African bowlers bowled well and managed to bowl Australia out for 212.

Team India had also won the toss in the 2023 WTC final, but their bowlers couldn't take the advantage and allowed Australia to score 469, even though they were 76/3 at one stage. On the third day, when there was sunshine, South African batters took full advantage of the wicket and adjusted to conditions well that allowed their batters to play their shots as the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Australian bowlers found it difficult to bowl on the wicket. 

The beautiful game of cricket has several intricacies, and fast bowling is one aspect that offers it sheer brilliance and sensation. Seeing a bowler at his mark, loading up with the ball as ammunition, striding ahead towards the crease, and delivering fast is an electrifying sight. Stepping up, setting the speed gun on fire, and hitting the top mark, visible as speed on the big screen, is an incredible moment in the game. As exciting as it can get, the chill of pace bowling is an immense source of adrenaline among the players and viewers. 

To master the skills of fast bowling, it takes a great amount of hard work, practice, rhythm, momentum, and innumerable accurate run-ups. To bowl the fastest ball in the match and for the history books is a beholding sight and requires immaculate strategies, strength, and consistency. To be counted as one of the fastest bowlers in the cricket world is a matter of humongous pride and an indication of pure greatness. 

Creating dread among the batters and overpowering them in the modern formats of the game is quite tough. Speed bowling is one tool, if employed and executed at its best, can bundle out the opposition in a jiffy. The protagonists of these are a rare species of players who possess the ball like venom and have set records for the same. Here is a look at the top ten fastest bowlers in the world who are currently in the game and actively plying their trade. 

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Mitchell Starc

The tall and lanky left-arm fast bowling sensation from Australia often takes the cricketing universe by storm because of his sensational pace. He is currently the fastest bowler in the world, having clocked an unimaginable speed of 99.7 miles per hour in a test match against New Zealand in 2015. His average speeds are in the high 140s kph, and his smooth action makes him look aesthetic while delivering balls. When he spearheads the bowling attack of any team, a fear is instilled among the batters, and this attribute has made him one of the highest wicket-takers for his nation, currently at 382 wickets in tests. His potent fitness while being a pacer is a testament to his focused approach towards meticulous practice, planning, and workload management. 

Haris Rauf

The skiddy bowler from Pakistan is a white ball specialist. He began his international career as a T20 player and soon got opportunities in the ODI circuit as well. He is tall, bangs the surface hard, and extracts extra bounce off the pitch. In a match against England in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, Australia, he bowled at 99 miles per hour, sending rocket waves across the bowling fraternity. He is a regular player in his national side and has accumulated 206 wickets, so far, in limited-overs cricket. His average bowling speed nears 150 kmph on many occasions. 

Lockie Ferguson

The Kiwi bowler is a great customer of batters' wickets. His sheer pace, complemented by impeccable bounce, line, and length, makes it extremely tough to score against him. His rhythmic bowling action makes his task look effortless. He regularly plays in the IPL and is a great asset for any team. Once in the 2022 season, playing for the Gujarat Titans against the Rajasthan Royals, he produced a magical delivery worth 157.3 kmph and set the speed gun ablaze. For New Zealand, he has, so far, taken 163 wickets in white ball cricket.

Umran Malik

The speedster from Jammu and Kashmir was the talk of the town even before his debut in professional cricket. His raw pace, coupled with youthful energy, made him a fast bowling sensation. This put him in the category of a rare breed of pacers, an asset that could serve India and IPL cricket for years to come. In the 2022 IPL season, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Delhi Capitals, he bowled a superfast delivery, measured at 157 kmph in the speed metrics. It became the second fastest ball in that season and earned him a place in the National side. He, however, has been very unfortunate with injuries and has missed out on a lot of game time over the years, hoping to return very soon and produce similar goods for which he became popular. 

Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav rose in the ranks while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2024 season of IPL. His impressive performances from the time he got an opportunity made the cricket pundits and viewers talk about him quite a lot on social media. In a match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he clocked a top speed of 156.7 kmph and took everyone by surprise. Delivering that fast at a tender age and also scalping a few wickets made him a player to watch out for ahead. He, too, has lacked the rub of the green in his strides and has dealt with injuries very frequently. 

Mark Wood

The English quick is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and among only a few who possess the ability to turn the tide in his team's favour purely by fiery pace bowling. He sprints like an athlete and delivers fire. At times, his absence from the England team make their attack look bleak and without any venom. Of late, his improved fitness has made him play a lot more matches than he used to in the past, and that is good for the game itself. During the test tour of Pakistan in 2022, he bowled a ball at 156.6 kmph and became the fastest bowler in England's history. He has taken 255 wickets across formats for his nation yet. 

Anrich Nortje

The South African right-arm speedster has an average bowling speed of around 150 kmph. His bowling resonates with business, and so does his serious looks. Playing for the Delhi Capitals and bowling to Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler, he sent waves across the world by recording a gobsmacking speed of 156.22 kmph. The Protea pacer, however, has been less economical over the years and has gone for a few in his overs on numerous occasions. Injuries have pegged him back quite a lot. He currently bowls quick but needs to be smart enough in disguising the batters to sustain himself further in the game. 

Kagiso Rabada

Another bowler hailing from South Africa is an all-format player for the National side. Known for his consistency, Rabada has been a go-to bowler for whichever team he has played in, at all levels. He might lack express pace when compared to other bowlers in the list, but if coupled with the right line and lengths, it apparently seems quite threatening. In IPL 2019, he produced a delivery having a speed of 154.23 kmph. Kagiso has 327 test wickets to his name. 

Jofra Archer

The Caribbean-born pacer became eligible to play for England in 2019 and was fast-tracked into the National side just before the ODI World Cup scheduled in the same year. This news sent seismic waves across the cricket world, and Jofra Archer has been associated with sheer pace since his inception. His raw speed and unparalleled accuracy make it a nightmare for opposition batters, and time and again, he has displayed that. 2019 was a glorious year for him, and he made his name by performing impressively well in the World Cup and the Ashes. 

Mohammad Shami

The Indian pace bowler is known to have the best seam position of the ball. He makes the ball talk at his own will, seaming and swinging notoriously. Delivered at a great pace, it becomes extremely difficult for the batters to negotiate his overs and spells, especially in the longest format of the game. His action is flawless and equivalent to poetry in cricket. His skills affirm the fact that fast bowling is all about rhythm. For India, Shami has struck 462 times across the three formats. 

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

See Also: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

• Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
• Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
• South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
• Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.

A dismal show with the bat from the Proteas have given Australia a healthy 74-run lead going into the second innings of the ongoing World Test Championship Final clash. The fact that they were way behind the race this early did not seem to bother the South African speedster Kagiso Rabada. During the second Australian innings, Rabada once again managed to get the better of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, very reminiscent of the way he did in the first innings. In fact, what was more fascinating to see was the way the two batters were removed almost instantly in quick succession. 

During the 11th over, Rababa ran riot at the Aussie batters and drew the first blood by having Khawaja nick to Kyle Verreynne behind the stumps. The wheels were set in motion as only a couple of balls later, Green followed suit and got out exactly the same way he did in the first innings. Being tentative with his footwork, Green poked hard, and the ball flew off his outside edge and into the hands of Mulder at second slip. 

See also: [WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Kyle Verreynne takes stunning one-handed catch down leg side to dismiss Travis Head in SA vs AUS

Watch the double-blow carnage unfold:

Wait… this isn’t a replay of the first innings? 👀#KagisoRabada strikes twice in an over again, removing #UsmanKhawaja and #CameronGreen in quick succession! 💪🏻

Is this the spark 🇿🇦 needed to ignite a comeback in the #WTCFinal?

LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/w3cUVnQ8YL#SAvAUS |… pic.twitter.com/xCEE57q3DU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 12, 2025

The double-blow from Rabada in that over may have given South Africa a spark and perhaps a glimmer of hope to make a comeback of sorts. But despite that early wobble, Australia are well and truly in the driver's seat and lead by a mammoth 117 runs at the time of writing. South Africa will certainly rue the fact that their batters failed to cash in after the lunch interval and disintegrated rather quickly to give Australia a massive advantage. But all their hopes are now pinned on Rabada as he seems to be the one who is doing all the hard work to keep South Africa's WTC aspirations alive.

Test cricket has traditionally been associated with South Africa, and South Africa has produced some of the world's greatest bowlers. Over the years, South Africa has built up a reputation for producing fast, aggressive pacers, as well as artists or craftsmen in spin who have won their country's matches. The legacy created is a result of South Africa's history as a country and as a cricketing nation, where bowling initiation and development has been the country's focus as an ex-colonized nation with a jailbird past that taught them the importance of bowling excellence for victory.

As we delve into the list of South Africa’s top five wicket-takers in Test history, each name stands out not only for their impressive statistics but also for the impact they had on the game. These bowlers have been instrumental in scripting many of South Africa's memorable Test victories, both at home and abroad. Known for their consistency, aggression, and ability to thrive under pressure, they have often turned the tide in crucial moments. Their contributions have solidified South Africa’s status as a formidable force in international Test cricket.

5. Allan Donald – 330 wickets

Former Proteas right-arm fast bowler Allan Donald ended his Test career with 330 wickets in 72 matches with an average of 22.25. He recorded 20 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 8/71 and best bowling figures in a match of 12/139.

4. Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets

The right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is one of the modern-day greats among fast bowlers. Till the end of the first innings of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s, he has already recorded 332 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 21.82. The fourth most Test wicket-taker for South Africa, Rabada, has recorded 17 fifers and four ten-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures in an innings were 7/112, and his best bowling figures in a match were 13/144. He is one of the three South African bowlers to record 13 wickets in a Test match.

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3. Makhaya Ntini – 390 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Makhaya Ntini is the third leading wicket-taker in South African Test cricket history with 390 wickets in 101 matches with an average of 28.82. He recorded 18 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including the best bowling figures record by a South African in a Test match – 13/132 vs West Indies in the 2005 Port of Spain Test. Meanwhile, Ntini’s best bowling figures record in a Test innings was 7/37.

2. Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets

Former South African fast bowling all-rounder and captain Shaun Pollock was the first South African to record 400 Test wickets. He retired from Test cricket after picking up 421 wickets in 108 Tests with an average of 23.11. The right-arm fast bowler recorded 16 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul (best bowling figures in an innings: 7/87; best bowling figures in a match: 10/147).

1. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets

Former right-arm fast bowler Dale Steyn was one of the most popular fast bowlers in world cricket. Steyn holds the record for the most Test wickets by a South African with 439 wickets in 93 Test matches with an average of 22.95. Steyn recorded 26 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls in his Test career, including his best bowling figures in an innings of 7/51 and best bowling figures in a match of 11/60. 

Day one of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s had everything swing, wickets, and tension as 14 wickets tumbled in a gripping day of Test cricket. Australia were bowled out for just 212, with South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada leading the charge with a brilliant five-wicket haul.

Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) steadied Australia after they were reduced to 67/4, stitching together a crucial 79-run stand. But once that partnership was broken, the Aussie lower order collapsed, losing the last five wickets for only 18 runs. Rabada, playing his first match since serving a short ban, was at his fiery best and passed the great Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

South Africa, however, couldn’t capitalise with the bat. Under the evening sun, Mitchell Starc bowled a beauty to dismiss Markram for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder followed soon after. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the party as South Africa crumbled to 35/4 by stumps.

Earlier in the day, Rabada removed Khawaja with a peach of a delivery before striking again in the same over to send back Green. Labuschagne and Head also fell cheaply, with Jansen and Verreynne combining to remove them. Smith looked composed and in good touch, but a risky shot off part-time spinner Markram cost him his wicket just when he looked set for a century. Webster followed not long after, edging Rabada to the slips.

Though Australia’s batting stumbled, their pace bowlers brought them right back into the contest. With South Africa four down and two new batters at the crease, day two is set up perfectly for another cracking chapter in this Test final.

ALSO READ: AUS vs WI: West Indies name Test squad for Australia tour with new captain at Helm

Fans reactions after 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of WTC Final between South Africa and Australia

- 78.4 Overs.
- 255 Runs.
- 14 Wickets.
- Australia 212/10.
- South Africa - 43/4.
- Five wickets haul by Kagiso Rabada.
- Peach of spells by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
- Solid fifties by Smith & Webster.

WTC Final is peaking on Day 1 already.#AUSvsSA #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/qiNdMYsa4o

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) June 11, 2025

14 wickets fell on the first day, imagine if this was played on th3 subcontinent pitches pic.twitter.com/qp0LdAEFXr

— aftab (@aftabsays_) June 11, 2025

South Africa really messed it up well and surely no way they are coming back from here if they do it’s absolutely soul wrenching to watch an absolute cinema !!! #WTC2O25Final #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/VXABDWYwNP

— J (@butterchicken96) June 11, 2025

WTC Final | Day 1 Stumps

An excellent day of cricket.
Day 1 of the WTC Final between South Africa & Australia did not disappoint!😃🤯

Rabada and Jansen ripped through the Australian batsmen with ball in hand, as the former finished with figures of 5/51. Proteas went in to bat… pic.twitter.com/YsO7IAvgmL

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) June 11, 2025

Disaster Strikes for South Africa! 😱

Day 1 ends with the Proteas reeling at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs in the WTC Final 2025.

The Australian pacers unleashed relentless aggression, turning the grand finale at Lord’s into a horror show for South Africa.

Sheer dominance… pic.twitter.com/EHa4lw9w1n

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 11, 2025

STUMPS - Day 1 🇿🇦🏏🇦🇺

14 wickets on the first day!

Proteas end the day reeling on 43/4 (22 overs) trailing by 169 runs.

Mitchell Starc dismissed openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton, solitary strikes by Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins. #Proteas #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/FvUfWtws0m

— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) June 11, 2025

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏: 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐒! 🏏

South Africa finishes Day 1 at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs at Lord’s. 🇿🇦🤍

Mitchell Starc shines with two key wickets for Australia! 🇦🇺🔥#AUSvSA #WTCFinal #MitchellStarc pic.twitter.com/JEDxqZ7Nee

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) June 11, 2025

Lovely day of test cricket but just imagine the moaning from english and Australia journalists if 14 wickets fell on Day 1 of a WTC Final in India

— Meet (@raut_meeet) June 11, 2025

Lord's, London, June 11, 2025 – South Africa opted to bowl first in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's and created early marks, but Australia responded to level the game and manage 212/10. South Africa, in turn, battled against Australia's pace attack and closed Day 1 at 43/4, 169 runs behind. The day featured powerful bowling performances and crucial wickets, and it looks like the match will be a thrilling one.

Australia Innings

Australia was restricted to 212/10 in 56.4 overs following a difficult day against South Africa's pace-oriented attack. Beau Webster top-scored with a gritty 72 off 92 balls, holding the innings together, and Steve Smith made a gritty 66 off 112. Their 79-run fifth-wicket partnership was the standout, but South Africa's bowling unit hit back, led by Kagiso Rabada, who took 5/51 in 15.4 overs, with the early wickets of Usman Khawaja (0) and Cameron Green (4). Marco Jansen backed up with 3/49, picking up Smith through a fabulous reflex catch off Aiden Markram's bowling (1/5). South Africa's tight bowling in the absence of a late charge by Alex Carey (23 off 31) meant that Australia's innings was brought to a quick end, with the final five wickets coming down for 22 runs.

South Africa Innings

South Africa reached 43/4 in 22 overs, falling behind by 169 runs at stumps. The innings began on a poor note as Aiden Markram was dismissed by Mitchell Starc off the first over for a six-ball zero, and then Ryan Rickelton for 16 off 23, caught behind slips. Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for 6 off 44 off Pat Cummins, and Tristan Stubbs for 2 off 13 before being struck by Josh Hazlewood. David Bedingham (8* off 9) and Temba Bavuma (3* off 37) played anchor, but Australia's bowlers, headed by Starc (2/10) and ably aided by Hazlewood (1/10) and Cummins (1/14), maintained the pressure. South Africa's top order struggled in front of the swinging ball, and they have a difficult task on Day 2.

Also Read: WATCH: Mitchell Starc's ripper gets Aiden Markram for duck in SA vs AUS WTC Final

SA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025 – Day 1 Match Scorecard 

Australia – 212/10 (56.4 Overs)

South Africa – 43/4 (22 Overs)

Kagiso Rabada has broken multiple records with a five-wicket haul against Australia in the World Test Championship finale at the iconic Lord’s. The South African international started the day with back-to-back wickets of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Towards the end of the first innings, Rabada dismissed Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc to complete his five-wicket haul, and with that, he cemented his spot in the Lord’s honours board.

Rabada surpasses Allan Donald in elite list

With a five-wicket haul, Rabada now stands fourth on the list of most wickets by a South African international in Test cricket history. He surpassed Allan Doland on the list. After the innings, Rabada spoke on the achievement, stating that the records are good, but his primary job is to keep running and bowl well for the team.

“That's all secondary (climbing the wicket-takers list for SA). The primary is to keep running in and doing the job. Means a lot to get past Allan Donald, what a legend,” Rabada said.

Most wickets for South Africa in Tests:

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Rabada equalled Jasprit Bumrah’s record in WTC history

With the five-wicket haul, Rabada now equalled Jasprit Bumrah’s record of most wickets in WTC history. Both the modern-day legends have 156 wickets to their name in the competition. Nathan Lyon tops the charts with 210 wickets, while Pat Cummins, R Ashwin, and Mitchell Starc stand second, third, and fourth with 200, 195, and 171 scalps to their name, respectively.

Most wickets in WTC history:

Fans reaction on X(Twitter):

this is greatness, this is kagiso rabada 🐐💪❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/e3E44QQUYg

— rishi (@rishi__w) June 11, 2025

Two more and we're on the honours board!

The Great Kagiso Rabada
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/OvLiUFQa52

— Jay Mngomezulu (@Jay_Mzulu) June 11, 2025

Kagiso Rabada

with cocaine without cocaine pic.twitter.com/B0Q8u2PSb2

— Avani Gupta (@cricketizlife) June 11, 2025

Khao, pio aur agay barho!

The story of Kagiso Rabada today 🔥#WTC25 #Rabada pic.twitter.com/gyyEiqffCD

— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) June 11, 2025

She was right when she said “we have Kagiso Rabada” pic.twitter.com/ywu4Esn4Ml

— Saebeee… (@think___strong) June 11, 2025

Great spell from Kagiso Rabada 👏 #WTC2O25Final pic.twitter.com/NyP4djiSME

— Crazy Cricket Memes (@CrazyCricMemes) June 11, 2025

When the lights are brightest,
Pressure is highest,
Crowds are the loudest,
The best will arrive,
The strongest will survive,
The greatest will thrive,

The Kagiso Rabada,
Man of big matches! pic.twitter.com/Foe5hNjGzE

— Dhruv (@I_m_dhruv_) June 11, 2025

Kagiso Rabada is inevitable 🔥 🔥 🔥 🇿🇦 🏏 pic.twitter.com/yfKEoP1xhr

— UtianⒼ (@UtianG) June 11, 2025

No hype like Starc and Cummins
Not aggressive like Siraj
No Football tag like Boult

That's KAGISO RABADA for you! pic.twitter.com/92vivPhGwk

— Parv 🇿🇦 (@ParvCryEmoji) June 11, 2025

[YOU BEAUTY] Kagiso Rabada rips through the lineup with a brilliant fifer on the biggest stage! 💪🇿🇦

VISIT https://t.co/yD3iLtfZ3U and Follow us on X @DameConcepts_SA Sports 🏏 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Q4RejcPoUz

— DameConcepts Sports Agency (@DameConcepts_SA) June 11, 2025