South Africa aims to add a first ICC Trophy since the turn of the century when they face off against Australia in the World Test Championship final starting on Wednesday. While the Proteas have fielded great sides over the years, knockout games haven’t been their best match since winning the 1998 Knockout Trophy (now the Champions Trophy). Temba Bavuma will hope to end that run against the all-conquering Australian side and take his side to the promised land at the Mecca of Cricket.
WTC Final 2025: South Africa chase ICC glory
The last time South Africa won an ICC tournament, Tristan Stubbs was not even born. The Proteas thus face a tall order of ending their barren run in tournaments. South Africa have come close in recent years, reaching the final of the T20 World Cup last year. Now, they have reached another final, with Bavuma and Co. facing off against Australia in the World Test Championship final 2025.
The Proteas won eight of the 12 matches they played in the WTC cycle to finish at the top of the standings. This is after effectively conceding their 2-Test series against New Zealand, with most of their star players featuring in the SA20 instead. Bavuma has led the team from the front, with only David Bedingham scoring more runs than him.
However, experience is something the Proteas lack, which their opposition has in plenty. Pat Cummins and Co. will aim to defend their WTC title, having defeated India in the 2023 tournament. Steve Smith alone has played 22 Tests in England, while the entire SA squad has managed a combined 28. On paper, the Australians are clear favourites despite not having a specialist opener in the XI.
There is history between the two teams. It is only the 4th SA vs AUS game since the Newlands sandpaper gate controversy in 2018. The two teams last faced off more than 2 years ago, with the Aussies winning 2-0 at home. At Lord’s, Australia will once again hope to replicate their heroics of 2023. South Africa will hope to end their ICC heartache and add a trophy to their cabinet.
SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025: Playing XIs
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (C), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
SA vs AUS WTC final toss time
The WTC 2025 final will begin at 3.30 PM IST. The toss on Day 1 will be at 3 PM IST. The match is set to take place at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
WTC final live streaming
You can catch the live streaming of the WTC Final 2025 on JioHotstar, and the live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network.
This time for Africa! Proteas chase promised land as Temba Bavuma aims to end 27-year trophy drought Inside Sport India.
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