The hallowed turf of Lord’s was set fir the stage for a high-stakes clash as Australia and South Africa locked horns in the ICC World Test Championship final on June 11, 2025. For South Africa, this was more than just another Test, it was a chance to end a 27-year ICC trophy drought and rewrite their cricketing destiny. Australia, defending champions and masters of the big occasion, entered with a reshuffled batting order but the same relentless ambition. As the first day unfolded, drama, tension, and raw emotion gripped the packed stands, none more so than during Temba Bavuma’s gritty battle at the crease.

Temba Bavuma gets off the mark and Lord’s celebrates in style

South Africa’s reply to Australia’s 212 was fraught with peril from the outset. The Proteas’ top order crumbled under the relentless pressure of Australia’s pace trio, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, leaving the scoreboard at a precarious 30/4. Amid this collapse, all eyes turned to captain Bavuma, a man carrying the hopes of a nation and the weight of history.

Bavuma’s innings began with a siege: ball after ball, he defended, left, and absorbed the pressure, unable to pierce the field or find a single run. The tension in the stands grew with every dot ball, the Lord’s crowd sensing both the struggle and the significance. Then, after 30 balls of stoic resistance, Bavuma finally found relief, a length delivery from Hazlewood was tucked behind square, and Bavuma sprinted through for two runs. The response was electric: the crowd erupted in jubilation, a release of pent-up emotion for both the player and the spectators. Bavuma’s understated celebration belied the magnitude of the moment, but the ovation spoke volumes about the respect for his resilience and the drama of the occasion.

Here’s the video:

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Australia dominates South Africa on day 1 of WTC 2025 final

Earlier, South Africa’s bowlers had set the tone. Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul was the highlight as Australia were bundled out for 212. Steven Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) provided resistance, but wickets fell regularly, with Marco Jansen chipping in with three crucial scalps. The Proteas’ disciplined attack made the most of overcast conditions, justifying Bavuma’s decision to bowl first.

Australia’s response with the ball was immediate and ruthless. Starc struck in his first over, removing Aiden Markram for a duck, and South Africa’s inexperienced batting lineup struggled to cope. By stumps, South Africa had limped to 43/4 in 22 overs, still trailing by 169 runs. Bavuma’s 3 not out from 37 balls, alongside David Bedingham’s 8 not out, was a testament to survival against the odds. The day saw 14 wickets tumble, with both sides’ bowlers dominating and the batters left searching for answers.

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