• Kagiso Rabada's remarkable five-wicket haul on Day 1 of WTC 2025 Final proved pivotal in dismantling Australia's batting lineup.

  • Rabada reaffirmed his status as one of the elite fast bowlers in world cricket.

SA vs AUS: Fans go wild as Kagiso Rabada’s 5/51 masterfully destroys Australia on Day 1 of WTC 2025 Final
Kagiso Rabada (Image Source: X)

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Kagiso Rabada reaffirmed his status as one of the elite fast bowlers in world cricket with a searing spell of pace and precision on Day 1 of the World Test Championship 2025 Final for South Africa against Australia at Lord’s.

South Africa’s pace Ace Kagiso Rabada roars at Lord’s in WTC 2025 final

With clouds looming over the historic ground and movement in the air, South African skipper Temba Bavuma made a bold decision to bowl first, and Rabada delivered immediately. On a stage South Africa had never reached before, the experienced pacer showcased nerves of steel and tactical brilliance, finishing with a phenomenal 5/51 in just 17.3 overs. His efforts spearheaded a spirited bowling performance that saw Australia bundled out for a modest 212 in less than 60 overs, handing the Proteas early control in this high-stakes encounter.

Rabada’s five-wicket haul was not only pivotal but also historic. He became just the second bowler ever to claim a five-for in a World Test Championship final, joining New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson, who had achieved the feat in the inaugural 2021 edition against India. What makes Rabada’s accomplishment even more commendable is the context surrounding his recent form. The 29-year-old had endured a rocky phase in early 2025 after admitting to the use of a recreational drug, which led to a month-long suspension during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, costing him his spot in the Gujarat Titans’ lineup. Questions about his mental fitness and focus surfaced. But at Lord’s, Rabada silenced his critics emphatically with a red-ball masterclass that showed both skill and steel.

Also WATCH: SA vs AUS: Marco Jansen takes a sensational juggling catch to get rid of Steve Smith | WTC 2025 Final, Day 1

Rabada’s devastating five-wicket haul spells derail Australia on Day 1

Rabada struck early, providing South Africa with a dream start by removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over. Khawaja, struggling for rhythm, faced 20 deliveries without scoring before Rabada had him caught in the slips with a ball that seamed away. The left-hander’s departure set the tone for a relentless pace attack. Cameron Green, back in the Australian lineup after an extended injury absence, received a near-unplayable delivery, a ball that pitched just short of a good length, held its line briefly, and then nipped away late to clip the edge. It was classic Rabada: sharp, smart, and surgical.

Despite Steve Smith anchoring Australia’s middle order with trademark resilience, Rabada maintained pressure with disciplined lines and unwavering intensity. South Africa grabbed four wickets before lunch, but Smith’s partnership-building meant only one fell in the second session. Still, Rabada never lost his rhythm. He kept hitting hard lengths, tested both edges, and constantly created doubts in the minds of the batters, making sure Australia could never breathe easy even when building partnerships.

The final session saw Rabada at his lethal best again. With Australia hoping for some late-order resistance through Beau Webster, who had already compiled a solid 72, Rabada returned to dent their ambitions. He removed Webster with a well-set-up plan, extracting bounce and movement that forced a loose shot. Then, like a finisher, he ran through the tail, dismissing Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in quick succession to wrap up the innings.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: SA vs AUS: Steve Smith outshines Viv Richards and Allan Border with an elite record on Day 1 of WTC 2025 final

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