South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder shared a conversation he had with his IPL teammate and Australian star Travis Head after the World Test Championship final. South Africa finally ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title by winning the WTC final against Australia at Lord's, London.

This victory marked South Africa’s first major cricket triumph and helped them move past their long-standing reputation of falling short in crucial moments of big tournaments.

Mulder and Head are more than just international rivals—they were also teammates at Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2025. Although Mulder didn’t get many matches, the two spent a lot of time together during training and bonded well. That friendship continued after the final in the form of a warm and emotional post-match conversation. South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder spoke about his emotional conversation with Australian star Travis Head after the World Test Championship final.

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“I actually spoke to him (Head) last night on the phone,” Mulder told ICC Digital. “He was happy for us and the way things went. Of course, he was heartbroken that they didn’t win, but I think the spirit of the game was as high and as good as it could be.”

Mulder also said that even though Australia is known for its tough image, this team showed great grace and sportsmanship in defeat.

“When you think about the Aussies, you often think of them as being a bit aggressive at times, but these guys are true champions,” he said. “Heady is one of the nicest people around, and Patty (Pat Cummins) is also a great guy.”

🚨WHAT A DELIVERY BY MULDER TO DISMISS TRAVIS HEAD#WtcFinal2025 #wtc2025final #WTCFinal

pic.twitter.com/XSgh50Q7TU

— Everyday Pursuits (@evrydaypursuit) June 12, 2025

Mulder shared that he built a strong bond with both Head and Cummins during IPL 2025. Though he wasn’t in the playing XI often, he spent a lot of time training with them at Sunrisers Hyderabad. He regularly faced Head and Cummins in the nets—practice that helped him later in the WTC Final.

“I spent a lot of time with them during the IPL. There was a lot of friendly banter,” Mulder said.

Notably, it was Mulder who dismissed Head for just 7 runs in the second innings of the WTC final. He also praised the Australian team for the way they handled the loss, saying they showed true sportsmanship even in a tough moment.

Bullseye! Captain Pat Cummins deposited the inswinger right on the stumps to dismiss any potential threat from Wiaan Mulder, the number three batter of the South African batting lineup. In Day 1 of the ongoing World Test Championship Final (WTC Final), it was mostly a bowling exhibition from both ends. 

Apart from the batting brilliance from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, a total of 14 scalps were dismissed at the Lord's under a cloudy sky. One of the best displays of bowling craftsmanship was when Pat Cummins brushed all timbers to dismiss the Protean. Mulder, beaten by the extra pace, completely misjudged the line and length on the second delivery of the sixteenth over, exposed, and Cummins took most of it—an important wicket. During the first innings, Cummins, who was bowled out by Kagiso Rabada, who took a fifer, replied by snatching the wicket of Mulder.

South Africa's bowling line-up, led by Kagiso Rabada, did well by restricting the power-packed Aussies to only 212. Temba Bavuma and his boys got the exact start they could have imagined in a final match against Australia. They only need to hold their nerves while batting and take a handsome lead to put more pressure on Australia. 

Read More: 'GOAT of Tests' - Fans react as Steve Smith scores half century in SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

Team Australia always have a plan B

The team with the experience of playing multiple title decider matches and the defending champion of the World Test Championship always has a plan B in their pocket. If not with the bat, then crack with the ball, a team game—that's what Australians can do best when they find themselves balancing on a thin line. 

Mulder lost his wicket only for 6 after facing 44 deliveries. Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton all went back to the pavilion and left the matter on the captain Temba Bavuma's shoulder. 

Watch the moment when Cummins dismissed Mulder

Pat Cummins gets Mulder 🔥🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/uQDqA6ZVFn

— 𝙈𝘼𝙃𝙀𝙎𝙃 (@Maheshhh_18) June 11, 2025

Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Brydon Carse has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a toe injury. This same injury had already forced him to miss England’s Champions Trophy campaign.

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To replace Carse, Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Mulder, who has played for South Africa in all three formats, was brought in for ₹75 lakh (about $86,000).

🚨 BRYDON CARSE RULED OUT OF THE IPL 2025 🚨

- Wiaan Mulder replaces Carse in the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/kcnGiSbM7K

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 6, 2025

The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on March 22 and will run until May 25. Sunrisers Hyderabad will hope that Mulder can step up and make an impact in Carse’s absence.