South Africa vs. Australia WTC Final Day 1 Highlights

Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s saw Australia take the upper hand by stumps. After being bowled out for 212, the Aussies hit back hard with the ball, reducing South Africa to 43 for 4. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball earlier in the day, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first. The cloudy weather helped the bowlers. Rabada struck early in the match. He removed Usman Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green for just 4 in the same over.

After a strong start from South Africa, Marco Jansen increased the pressure by removing Marnus Labuschagne (17) and Travis Head (11) before the lunch break. At 67 for 4, Australia was in deep trouble.

However, the momentum shifted slightly after lunch as Steve Smith and Beau Webster built a solid 79-run partnership. Smith played with confidence and brought up his half-century in 76 balls, showing his experience under pressure.

Webster supported well at the other end, batting with patience and care. He survived two LBW appeals, one of which South Africa chose not to review, and remained calm throughout his innings.

The pair’s efforts helped Australia recover from a poor start and stay in the game heading into the final sessions of the day.

Some poor deliveries from Wiaan Mulder helped Australia to settle down. At tea, Australia was in a better position at 190/5. Smith edged a ball from Aiden Markram and was out for 66. Alex Carey scored 22 before getting out to Keshav Maharaj.

Rabada came back to take the last few wickets. He ended with 5/47. It showed how skilled and reliable he is. Webster scored 72 and was Australia’s top scorer.

Marnus Labuschagne opened the innings for the first time in his Test career, stepping into the role left vacant by the retired David Warner. His promotion to opener marked a significant shift in Australia’s batting order.

Cameron Green made his comeback after recovering from injury and took the No. 3 spot, strengthening Australia’s lineup with both bat and bowling.

In the bowling lineup, Josh Hazlewood was brought back into the team, replacing Scott Boland, as Australia opted for experience in the pace attack for the high-stakes final.

South Africa made bold decisions as well. They sent Wiaan Mulder to bat at number three. Before the match, Captain Bavuma said, “For us it is about being confident in our ability.”

South Africa’s batting faltered on the other hand, ending at 43 for 4 in response to Australia’s 212. Aiden Markram fell for a duck, while Wiaan Mulder managed just 6. Ryan Rickelton added 16 before edging to the slips, and Tristan Stubbs was dismissed for 2.

The top order struggled against sharp pace and movement, with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood striking early. South Africa looked unsettled in overcast conditions, failing to build any partnerships.

With six wickets in hand and trailing by 169 runs, South Africa faces a crucial Day 2 to avoid a deeper collapse.

Australia is trying to win their second WTC title. Meanwhile, South Africa is aiming for its first ICC trophy since 1998. Both teams have strong bowling attacks. This final promises to be a close and exciting contest. After Day 1, South Africa has the edge, but there is still a lot of cricket left to be played.