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The World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025 at Lord's Stadium has turned into a speedster's dream as both sides are battling through relentless pace and swing. Day 2 of the mega event belonged to Australia captain Pat Cummins, who tore apart South Africa's batting by picking a six-wicket haul, bowling them out for just 138 in response to Australia’s first-innings total of 212. However, the momentum is currently in favour of South Africa after a brilliant bowling performance by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. The duo picked up three wickets each in the second inning of the finale. With 14 wickets falling on each of the first two days, the bowlers have completely dominated the final.
South Africa Fold for 138 as Cummins Runs Riot
South Africa resumed their innings on Day 2 at Lord’s at 43 for 4, with Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) at the crease, hoping to shift the momentum of the game. But Australian skipper Pat Cummins continued the momentum, removing Bavuma, who had looked solid. The South African captain fell for 36 runs off 84 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six before being bowled out by the Australian skipper.
After Bavuma’s dismissal, the rest of the South African batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure. Apart from David Bedingham, who fought hard for his 45 off 111 balls (with six fours), no other batter managed to score runs. Cummins continued his domination, and he wrapped up the innings quickly. The Proteas were bowled out for just 138, trailing by 74 runs in response to Australia’s 212.
Cummins Hits 300-Wicket Milestone with Record-Breaking Spell
With his brilliant 6 for 28, Pat Cummins not only led from the front, he also broke a plethora of records. He became the eighth Australian to reach 300 Test wickets. His fiery spell at Lord’s was a game-changer, dismantling South Africa’s hopes of a strong first innings.
Australia Rocked Early in Second Innings
Despite holding a 74-run lead, Australia’s second innings started on a bad note. Kagiso Rabada once again started with lethal bowling by picking two wickets in the 11th over. He picked up Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green's (0) wickets, the same two batters he had dismissed in one over during the first innings.
Australia were in a spot of bother after losing two wickets on just 28 runs, and things got worse as the middle order crumbled under sustained pressure from Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Steve Smith (13), Travis Head (9), Beau Webster (9), Marnus Labuschagne (22), and even captain Cummins (6) fell cheaply.
By the time the dust settled, Australia had lost seven wickets for just 73 runs, suddenly finding themselves in a precarious position despite their earlier dominance.
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