June 13, 2025: Cricket fans around the world are in for a historic showdown as World Test Championship (WTC) holders Australia face off against first-time finalists South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15.
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With a record USD 3.6 million prize for the winners and USD 2.16 million for the runners-up, the stakes are higher than ever. The match begins daily at 3:30 PM IST, and a reserve day (June 16) is in place if required.
Coming to the match, On a gripping second day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, Australia showcased tremendous resilience to bounce back from a precarious position of 73 for 7 and finish the day at 144 for 8 in their first innings. The standout performers for Australia were wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, who scored a valuable 43 runs, and experienced fast bowler Mitchell Starc, unbeaten on 16, who combined for an important 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
The day belonged to the bowlers early on, with South African pacer Lungi Ngidi turning the tide after a quiet first innings by claiming three crucial wickets for 35 runs in nine overs. Kagiso Rabada was also effective, dismissing three Australian batsmen, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a wicket each.
South Africa had earlier been restricted to 138 runs in their first innings over 57.1 overs, thanks to a devastating bowling performance by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Cummins took six wickets for just 28 runs in 18.1 overs, dismantling the South African batting lineup and putting Australia on the back foot early.
The sessions on Day 2 saw a rollercoaster of events:
- First Session: 27 overs, 78 runs, 1 wicket — steady start with the Australian top order trying to build a foundation.
- Second Session: 20.1 overs, 49 runs, 7 wickets — a dramatic collapse as South Africa’s bowlers applied pressure.
- Third Session: 28 overs, 112 runs, 6 wickets — the resilient lower order fought hard to add valuable runs.
At stumps, Nathan Lyon was unbeaten on 1 run from four balls and is expected to join forces with Mitchell Starc on Day 3 to add crucial runs and frustrate the South African bowling attack.
Cricketing history is set to be made—will the Proteas lift their first global title, or will Australia continue their Test supremacy?