Exciting Showdown: South Africa vs Australia in WTC Final 2025

The World Test Championship Final 2025 is set to be an exhilarating clash between South Africa and Australia at Lord's on June 11. With both teams showcasing their strengths, key player matchups such as Kagiso Rabada vs Usman Khawaja, Marco Jansen vs Steve Smith, and Aiden Markram vs Nathan Lyon promise to be pivotal in determining the outcome. As the Proteas make their first appearance in the WTC Final and Australia aims to defend their title, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intense battles and strategic plays. Don't miss the action!
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Exciting Showdown: South Africa vs Australia in WTC Final 2025

WTC Final 2025: South Africa vs Australia at Lord's

South Africa and Australia are gearing up for the highly awaited World Test Championship 2025 Final at the historic Lord’s cricket ground on June 11.


The Proteas are making their debut in the WTC Final after finishing as the top team in the 2023-25 cycle, while Australia, the reigning champions, are returning for the second consecutive time after defeating Team India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, let’s explore five key player matchups to watch during this thrilling encounter.


Key Player Battles to Watch

One of the most anticipated matchups is between Kagiso Rabada and Usman Khawaja. Rabada is expected to lead the South African bowling attack, while Khawaja will aim to stabilize the Australian batting order. In their previous 14 Test encounters, Rabada has dismissed Khawaja five times, with the Australian scoring 154 runs at an average of 30.80.


Rabada has excelled at Lord’s, taking 13 wickets in just two matches, whereas Khawaja has accumulated 200 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 33.33. Their duel could significantly influence the match's early dynamics.


Marco Jansen vs Steve Smith

Another intriguing battle is between Marco Jansen and Steve Smith. In their three previous Test encounters, Smith has scored 51 runs without being dismissed. Jansen's left-arm bowling style, combined with his ability to generate steep bounce and swing, poses a unique challenge for Smith, who is known for his unconventional techniques against pace bowlers.


Smith boasts an impressive record at Lord’s, with 525 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 58 across five matches. Jansen, despite having only one appearance at this iconic venue, took four wickets, showcasing his potential to exploit the conditions effectively.


Aiden Markram vs Nathan Lyon

The contest between Aiden Markram and Nathan Lyon is expected to be a captivating clash between an aggressive batsman and a crafty off-spinner. Lyon has yet to dismiss Markram in Tests, having conceded 115 runs without taking his wicket. Markram's ability to handle spin will be crucial as they face off, particularly during the middle overs.


At Lord’s, Lyon has claimed seven wickets while allowing 285 runs in five innings, whereas Markram has only scored 16 runs in his sole appearance, making their upcoming confrontation particularly interesting.


Temba Bavuma vs Mitchell Starc

South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma will face off against Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc in another compelling matchup. Bavuma has a solid record against Starc, scoring 89 runs in eight innings while being dismissed only twice, demonstrating his ability to counter the left-arm pacer effectively.


Bavuma has played one Test at Lord’s, scoring 80 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 40.00. Starc, on the other hand, has taken eight wickets at this iconic venue, setting the stage for an exciting contest between Bavuma's resilience and Starc's pace.


Keshav Maharaj vs Marnus Labuschagne

Lastly, the battle between Keshav Maharaj and Marnus Labuschagne is one to watch, as they have faced each other only once in Tests. Maharaj has yet to dismiss Labuschagne, conceding 23 runs in their previous encounter, but he has taken two wickets against him in all formats. Labuschagne's adeptness against spin could pose a challenge for Maharaj.


At Lord’s, Labuschagne has scored 136 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 45.33 in three innings, while Maharaj has taken six wickets, showcasing his ability to adapt to the conditions, making this matchup crucial for both players.


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