WTC Final: South Africa's Top Order Crumbles

South Africa's World Test Championship final hopes hang in balance after a top-order collapse on Day 1 at Lord's. Kagiso Rabada's five-wicket haul was undone by Australia's bowlers. Can the Proteas recover?

Kagiso Rabada's impressive 5-51 spell helped South Africa bowl out Australia for 212 on the opening day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's. 

However, the Proteas' top-order batsmen failed to capitalize on this advantage, collapsing to 43-4 by the end of the day. This sets up a finely poised contest, with South Africa needing to rebuild their innings to put themselves in a strong position.

Kagiso Rabada, South African fast bowling royalty ⚡ 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Uo18zTL09v

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 11, 2025

Australia's bowlers struck back, with Mitchell Starc (2), Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood dismantling South Africa's top order. The Proteas trail by 169 runs with six wickets remaining, setting up a tense Day 2.

KG the Destroyer! 🎯
A masterclass in pace, power, and precision!

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

Big players show up when it matters most and KG’s just reminded the world why he’s world-class.#WTCFinal #WozaNawe… pic.twitter.com/rOUnks5YXy

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 11, 2025

Teams

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wkt), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (capt), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Match Officials

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (NZL), Richard Illingworth (ENG)

TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)