🏏 Australia vs South Africa WTC Final Day 2 – Full Match Summary, Key Moments & Analysis
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground continues to build intensity. Day 2 delivered an exciting mix of brilliant bowling spells, gritty batting, and a momentum swing that has made the contest even more thrilling. Both teams are eyeing the coveted mace, and Day 2 might have just tilted the balance slightly.
🕰️ Match Details
- Event: ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
- Date: Day 2 – June 13, 2025
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Teams: Australia vs South Africa
📊 Score Summary (End of Day 2)
- Australia 1st Innings: 318 all out
- South Africa 1st Innings: 214/6 (at stumps, Day 2)
- Trail: South Africa trail by 104 runs
🔥 Day 2 Highlights
1. Pat Cummins Leads from the Front
Australian captain Pat Cummins was fiery with the ball, taking crucial wickets early in South Africa’s innings. His consistent line and length troubled the South African top order, dismissing Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma cheaply.
2. Marnus Labuschagne’s Classy Knock
Labuschagne’s overnight score of 87 was converted into a solid 112 before he fell to a peach from Kagiso Rabada. His innings anchored Australia’s total and gave the team a competitive score.
3. Rabada's Fightback
Kagiso Rabada was the star for South Africa with the ball, picking up 5 wickets for 72 runs. His late burst cleaned up the Australian tail and brought South Africa back into the game.
4. Elgar Holds the Fort
Veteran opener Dean Elgar played a crucial knock of 67 under pressure, showing resilience against the Australian pace trio. He stood tall while wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
5. Nathan Lyon’s Spin Trap
Spinner Nathan Lyon made the ball talk in the final session, dismissing both middle-order batters Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen with classic off-spin deliveries.
🧠 Expert Analysis
✅ Australia’s Edge
Although the pitch is flattening out, the Australians have the edge with over 100 runs lead and the South African tail exposed. The key will be wrapping up the Proteas’ innings early on Day 3.
🔁 South Africa Needs a Hero
South Africa will be hoping for a strong rear-guard action from the lower order and possibly a game-changing spell from Rabada or Nortje in Australia’s second innings.
📅 What to Expect on Day 3?
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Can Australia strike early and enforce a lead of 100+?
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Will South Africa find a lower-order resistance?
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Will weather or pitch conditions play a role?
The WTC Final is heading towards a tense climax, and Day 3 promises another action-packed cricketing treat!
🏆 Quick Stats
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Marnus Labuschagne | 112 runs (1st Innings) |
| Kagiso Rabada | 5/72 (1st Innings) |
| Dean Elgar | 67 runs (1st Innings) |
| Pat Cummins | 2 wickets, economy 2.1 |
📢 Final Thoughts
Day 2 of the WTC Final gave fans everything – technique, temperament, and tenacity. Australia has the upper hand, but South Africa’s fighting spirit is far from over. The Test is delicately poised, and with three days left, anything can happen in the world of red-ball cricket.
Stay tuned for more updates on the WTC Final 2025 – Australia vs South Africa!