• Usman Khawaja’s 20-ball duck sparked fans' reactions as Kagiso Rabada dismantled Australia’s top order.

  • South Africa have won the toss and chose to field first in the summit clash.

Fans troll Usman Khwaja for his appalling 20-ball duck on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final
Fans troll Usman Khwaja for his appalling 20-ball duck on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC final 2025 (Image source: X)

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The much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa kicked off at Lord’s, London, on June 11, 2025. With both teams fielding their strongest lineups and history at stake, the opening session was always going to be intense. South Africa, playing their first-ever WTC final, won the toss and chose to field, immediately putting Australia’s batting order under pressure. The early exchanges set the tone for a gripping contest, but it was Usman Khawaja’s shocking dismissal for a duck that stole the spotlight—and the ire of fans online.

Kagiso Rabada’s skillful set up sends Usman Khawaja packing in WTC final

Khawaja, Australia’s experienced opener, walked out with the hopes of anchoring the innings in this high-stakes final. Instead, he endured a torrid 20-ball stay at the crease, unable to get off the mark. Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s spearhead, was relentless, probing with a wobbly seam from around the wicket and consistently hitting a good length outside off. On the 6.3 over mark, Rabada delivered a fourth-stump line that squared Khawaja up; the Australian was caught on the crease, edged the ball, and David Bedingham at first slip took a sharp, wobbling catch.

Khawaja’s final score read: 0 runs off 20 balls, with a strike rate of 0.00—an innings that invited immediate trolling from fans on social media. Memes and sarcastic comments flooded platforms, with many questioning Khawaja’s place in the side, especially after a season where his form had already been under scrutiny. For a player of his experience, such a high-profile failure only intensified the online backlash.

South Africa’s early strike put Australia on the back foot

South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as their pace attack, led by Rabada, made early inroads. After Khawaja’s dismissal at 12 runs, Rabada struck again almost immediately, removing Cameron Green for just 4 runs. By the end of 19 overs, Australia found themselves reeling at 47/3, with only Travis Head and Steve Smith holding the fort.

The pitch, softened by a dry English summer but still offering enough for the bowlers, allowed South Africa’s quicks to exploit any indecision. Rabada’s figures—6 overs, 4 maidens, 9 runs, 2 wickets—underline his dominance and intent to erase memories of past struggles against Australia. With the likes of Beau Webster, and Alex Carey yet to bat, Australia’s famed batting lineup faces a stern test against a fired-up Proteas attack.

Also READ: WTC 2025 Final: Harbhajan Singh reveals secret behind Australia’s ICC trophy dominance

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Aiden Markram plucks a blinder to dismiss Cameron Green on Day 1 of WTC 2025 Final – SA vs AUS

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.