WTC Final: Bowlers Dominate, South Africa Chases History

The 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's has been marked by dramatic momentum shifts, with bowlers dominating early as 28 wickets fell in the first two days and Pat Cummins taking 6-28 to dismiss South Africa for 138, now the lowest team total in a WTC final. South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi countered, reducing Australia to 73-7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc steadied the innings, and Australia ended day two at 144-8 with a 218-run lead. On day three, Aiden Markram's resilient century and a crucial partnership with captain Temba Bavuma put South Africa within 69 runs of victory, with eight wickets in hand. The pitch, initially favoring bowlers, has since flattened to aid batsmen, keeping the outcome finely balanced. Australia's dominance in ICC finals is under threat as South Africa seeks their first senior ICC title since 1998. Statistical recordkeeping complexities persist due to match overlaps and incomplete data, as noted in cricket databases.