WTC Final 2025: Rabada Shines as South Africa Dismantle Australia
WTC Final 2025: Rabada Shines as South Africa Dismantle Australia originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed five wickets on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's, dismantling Australia's batting lineup for just 212 runs.
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The veteran pacer struck early, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a fiery new-ball spell, before returning to complete his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Captain Temba Bavuma elected to bowl after winning the toss, placing responsibility on Rabada to set the tone, a task the seamer embraced with precision and pace.
'212, we'd take that,' Rabada told reporters after stumps. 'We thought we should've had them at 160, but that's just the way the game goes.'
Australia, who looked vulnerable at 146 for five, were rescued by Beau Webster. The all-rounder steadied the innings with a vital 72-run knock, resisting South Africa's momentum just as it seemed the defending champions would collapse further.
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'Yeah, he didn't start off too well there, looked like he was going to get out any ball, but I guess his positive intent got him through,' Rabada said, acknowledging Webster's fighting spirit.
Rabada's final wicket of Webster was more than just a breakthrough; it elevated him past legendary quick Allan Donald to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.
'To be named in that list of bowlers is special,' he reflected. 'As a player growing up and representing South Africa, I've been inspired by those who have come before… To be listed among those names is special, and long may it continue.'
Despite the Proteas' early dominance, the Australian pace attack hit back before close. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins each took a wicket, reducing South Africa to 43 for four.
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'We're 43/4, not the start we were looking for,' Rabada admitted. 'But there's a lot of cricket to be played in this Test match. So we're just going to keep going for it.'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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