WTC Final 2025: High-Stakes Thriller Between South Africa and Australia Set for a Climactic Day 3 Finish
The 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final between South Africa and Australia has delivered an edge-of-the-seat experience, unfolding with surprising speed and dramatic shifts in momentum. Played with the intensity worthy of a world title, this battle of pace and perseverance has defied expectations, with bowlers ruling the roost. As the match heads into Day 3, the result hangs delicately in the balance — and by all indications, it’s going to be decided today.
A Fast-Moving Final
- The first two days of the Test have seen 28 wickets fall — 14 each day — a staggering number that hints at both the ferocity of the bowling and the frailty of the batting.
- Australia, having built a 218-run lead at the end of Day 2 with just two wickets remaining in their second innings, will begin Day 3 looking to stretch that lead just a bit further.
- With conditions expected to ease slightly, the South African chase could be straightforward — if their top order holds firm.
This has been no ordinary Test. It’s been a bruising war of attrition, where every session has swung like a pendulum. The contest has been defined by breathtaking bowling spells, particularly from Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins, who’ve turned in career-defining performances at the perfect stage.
How We Got Here: Two Days of High-Octane Cricket
Day 1: Rabada’s Opening Salvo
- Kagiso Rabada set the tone early, scything through the Australian lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul.
- His pace, bounce, and aggression proved too much for Australia’s top and middle order.
- Despite a couple of counterattacks, Australia struggled to find stability and were bundled out quickly.
Cummins Strikes Back
- The Australian captain responded with a spell that will go down in WTC folklore — a devastating 6/28 that dismantled South Africa’s reply.
- Cummins’ post-lunch burst turned the match on its head, showing yet again why he’s the heart of the Australian bowling attack.
- His rhythm, accuracy, and movement through the air gave the South Africans no breathing room.
Day 2: The Seesaw Continues
- Rabada once again rose to the occasion, picking up three crucial wickets in Australia’s third innings.
- With the Proteas sniffing an opening, Australia ended Day 2 at 218 runs ahead, but with only two wickets in hand.
- Batting collapses continued to be the story of the match, as both teams failed to convert starts into big totals.
The Scenarios for Day 3
- Australia: With only two wickets left, their goal will be to push the lead beyond 250 — a score that could be intimidating given the nature of the pitch and the psychological advantage of scoreboard pressure.
- South Africa: They’ll want to strike early, end the innings, and then put their heads down in pursuit of what could be a manageable total — provided they bat sensibly.
But herein lies the uncertainty. On a pitch that has seen constant movement off the seam and bounce, and in overcast conditions, even a chase of 200+ could seem daunting.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
For South Africa
- Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton: The openers will carry the weight of expectation as they begin the fourth innings. Their ability to see off the new ball could decide the direction of the match.
- Kagiso Rabada: He’s already got eight wickets in the match and could be the game-changer if South Africa needs to bowl again.
- Middle Order Grit: South Africa’s middle order has yet to be tested in a pressure chase, and it could either be their moment of glory or their undoing.
For Australia
- Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood: With the new ball under overcast skies, their early burst could make all the difference.
- Pat Cummins: Coming in as first change, he’s shown the ability to change the game in a single spell.
- Tail-End Runs: If the last two wickets can add even 20–30 more runs, Australia could be in a strong position to defend.
Why This Final Stands Out
This WTC Final has broken the mold of traditional five-day tests. Its breakneck pace and sheer drama have made it an instant classic.
- Fast bowling has dominated, a refreshing contrast to flat pitches and high-scoring draws.
- Tactical brilliance has been on display, from bowling changes to field settings.
- Mental toughness has been tested at every turn — and Day 3 will be the final exam.
What’s at Stake?
- For Australia: Another ICC title would cement their dominance in all formats. With a generation of match-winners and a leadership group that thrives under pressure, this is a chance to showcase their Test pedigree once again.
- For South Africa: This is more than just a final. It’s an opportunity to claim their first major ICC trophy and shed the tag of perennial underachievers. It’s a shot at redemption and glory.
A Battle of Nerves
Day 3 promises to be a test of steel, not just skill. South Africa must rise above the scars of past heartbreaks, while Australia will be wary of complacency. In a match where one delivery can trigger a collapse, it all comes down to who can hold their nerve.
Expect a frenetic first session:
- Australia trying to extract those few extra runs.
- South Africa looking to strike quickly and then bat with discipline.
Closing Thoughts
This has been the kind of match cricket fans dream of — a world final with every twist, every reversal, every emotional surge possible. It’s not just about technique anymore; it’s about who wants it more.
Today, the World Test Championship 2025 will likely find its winner. And whether it’s the green-and-gold of Australia or the Proteas of South Africa, it’ll be a victory etched in resilience, execution, and heart.