• Kyle Verreynne produced a breathtaking one-handed catch to dismiss Travis Head in the WTC 2025 final.

  • South Africa’s bowlers dominated the opening session reducing Australia to 67/4 till lunch on Day 1 of the ultimate Test.

WATCH: Kyle Verreynne grabs a gravity defying catch to dismiss Travis Head on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final
Kyle Verreynne grabs a gravity defying catch to dismiss Travis Head on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final (Image source: X)

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The ICC World Test Championship 2025 final between Australia and South Africa kicked off at Lord’s on June 11, 2025. With South Africa chasing their maiden ICC trophy and Australia defending their title, the stage was set for a high-octane contest between two teams at different crossroads. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to field first, immediately putting the Australian batting lineup under pressure in the opening session.

Kyle Verreynne’s one-handed stunner cuts short Travis Head’s stay at the crease

The highlight of the morning session—and arguably one of the most memorable moments in WTC final history—came courtesy of South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. With Australia struggling at 67/3, Travis Head, known for his counter-attacking prowess, tried to flick a wayward delivery from Marco Jansen down the leg side. It wasn’t the most threatening ball, but Head managed only a faint edge. In a flash, Verreynne launched himself full length to his right, plucking a one-handed catch out of thin air. The ball stuck, Head was gone for 11 off 13, and South Africa erupted in celebration just before the lunch break.

This gravity-defying effort not only showcased Verreynne’s athleticism and sharp reflexes but also epitomized South Africa’s intensity and hunger in their first-ever WTC final. The catch was a pivotal moment—removing the dangerous Head and giving South Africa their fourth wicket in the session. As the players walked off for lunch, the replay of Verreynne’s catch was already being hailed as one for the ages, a testament to the high stakes and nerves of a world championship final.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Marco Jansen bowls a beauty to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne on Day 1 of WTC 2025 Final – SA vs AUS

South Africa seize the initiative against Australia in the WTC final 2025

South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Kagiso Rabada set the tone with a fiery opening spell, dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green for just four in the seventh over. Jansen then removed Marnus Labuschagne, who had struggled to 17 off 56 balls, before delivering the ball that led to Verreynne’s spectacular catch and Head’s dismissal.

At lunch, Australia were reeling at 67 for 4 after 23.2 overs. Only Steven Smith, unbeaten on 26, managed to resist the relentless South African attack. The rest of the top order crumbled under sustained pressure, with Rabada (2 wickets) and Jansen (2 wickets) sharing the spoils. The session firmly belonged to South Africa, whose bowlers exploited the conditions expertly and whose fielders, led by Verreynne, backed them up with world-class efforts.

Also READ: Fans troll Usman Khwaja for his appalling 20-ball duck on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final

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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.