The WTC Final 2025 South Africa vs Australia kicked off with a thrilling Day 1 at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 11, 2025, where 14 wickets tumbled, leaving South Africa at 43/4, trailing Australia’s 212 by 169 runs. Kagiso Rabada’s sensational five-wicket haul dominated the headlines, but Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood struck back late, as reported in a Times of India live blog. This article recaps the action, key performances, and what lies ahead in this gripping Test. For more sports updates, visit our Sports section.

A Day of Dominance by Bowlers at Lord’s

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid dividends as Kagiso Rabada tore through Australia’s top order. A ESPNcricinfo report noted Rabada’s fiery opening spell, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a single over. Marco Jansen supported with three wickets, while Aiden Markram’s part-time spin removed Steve Smith (66). Beau Webster’s gritty 72 helped Australia reach 212, but Rabada’s 17th Test five-for stole the show, as highlighted by ICC’s coverage. South Africa’s response faltered, with Starc striking in the first over, followed by wickets from Cummins and Hazlewood, leaving Bavuma and David Bedingham to steady the ship at stumps.

The pitch, offering seam movement and bounce, favored bowlers, with former England cricketer Monty Panesar noting Josh Hazlewood’s suitability for Lord’s slope in a Indian Express analysis. Despite South Africa’s early dominance, Australia’s late fightback keeps the contest finely poised. For more on cricket tactics, explore our Sports section.

Key Moments and Performances on Day 1

Day 1 was a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing their bowling prowess. Below is a table summarizing the key details:

Kagiso Rabada’s Masterclass

Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer, claiming 5/47, including a double-wicket over that rattled Australia early. A NDTV Sports report praised his pace and precision, noting his ability to exploit the Dukes ball’s seam movement. Rabada’s dismissal of Steve Smith, caught at slip off Markram, was a turning point, ending a fighting 66. His 17th Test five-for, as celebrated in Cricbuzz’s analysis, underscored his status as South Africa’s spearhead. For more on standout players, visit our Sports section.

Australia’s Fightback with the Ball

Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, responded fiercely. Starc dismissed Aiden Markram in the first over and Ryan Rickelton later, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood removed Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs, respectively. A Business Standard report highlighted Starc’s seven-over spell, conceding just 17 runs. A dropped catch of Mulder by Alex Carey, as noted in Times of India’s live updates, could prove costly, but Australia’s bowlers kept South Africa under pressure. For more on cricket rivalries, check our Sports section.

South Africa’s Quest for History vs. Australia’s Title Defense

South Africa, chasing their first ICC title since 1998, are driven to shed their “chokers” tag, as noted in a Times of India preview. Captain Temba Bavuma, unbeaten on 9, targeted Australia’s unsettled top order, with Marnus Labuschagne opening for the first time. Australia, defending champions after beating India in 2023, rely on Pat Cummins’ leadership and experience, per a Lord’s official preview. Beau Webster’s 72 and Steve Smith’s 66 showed resilience, but their collapse post-tea, as mentioned in Cricbuzz, keeps South Africa in the hunt.

What to Expect on Day 2

With South Africa trailing by 169 runs and six wickets in hand, Day 2 will be pivotal. Bavuma and Bedingham’s partnership is crucial, while Australia’s bowlers, particularly Hazlewood, will aim to exploit the pitch’s movement, as predicted by Monty Panesar in the Indian Express. The weather forecast for June 12, 2025, is pleasant, with temperatures around 24°C, per Times of India, ensuring uninterrupted play. A reserve day on June 16 is available for rain disruptions. For live streaming details, visit Star Sports Network or JioHotstar, as noted in Times of India. Stay informed with Kashmir News for daily updates. Explore our Entertainment, Technology, or Business sections for more.