tch WTC Final Day 1 highlights: Rabada’s double strike, Labuschagne–Smith fightback at Lord’s. Expert analysis plus live-blog insights.

Australia vs South Africa WTC Final – Day 1 Review & Insights

South Africa Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl at Lord's

In a decisive move under cloudy skies at Lord’s, Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first. The overcast conditions, ideal for seam and swing, gave a clear advantage to his pace battery led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi

Rabada Strikes Early – Double Blow in the 7th Over

• Kagiso Rabada opened fire, reducing Australia to 5/0 with a maiden over.

• In a fiery 7th over, Rabada removed opening batsman Usman Khawaja for a duck and then Cameron Green for 4—both caught behind, showcasing precise seam movement

• By over 11, his figures stood at a staggering 2/9, asserting South Africa’s early control .

• Lbuschagne–Smith Partnership Seals Early Stability

• Promoted to opener, Marnus Labuschagne showed resilience amid pressure, surviving near misses and demonstrating a sublime cover drive 

• Steve Smith provided further stability, smashing the first boundary off Rabada and displaying his trademark technique.

• At the close of play, Australia were 26/2, with Labuschagne on 14 and Smith on 5.

• Australia reshuffled their top three: Labuschagne opened with Khawaja, Cameron Green slotted in at No. 3, and Josh Hazlewood returned at Hazlewood’s expense.

• South Africa’s unexpected promotion of Wiaan Mulder to No. 3 underlined their aggressive approach.

• Both sides aimed to leverage Lord’s slope and cloud cover, setting the stage for a gripping battle.

• This is South Africa’s debut appearance in a WTC Final—they aim to break a 27‑year ICC tournament drought.

• Australia, the reigning champions, seek their second WTC title after victorious campaigns in 2021 (vs NZ) and 2023 (vs India)

• Rabada finished the WTC cycle as one of the leading seamers, underlining his crucial role in this high-stakes clash.

• South Africa’s new-ball attack holds the key to extending early pressure.

• Watch for Labuschagne to build momentum as he settles into the opener’s role.

• Australia's middle order (Smith, Head, Webster) must withstand seam movement and capitalize under improving batting conditions.

Day 1 painted a vivid contrast: South Africa’s early dominance vs Australia’s cautious repair job. With two wickets early on and precision bowling, the stage is set for a riveting Test battle. The next few days will hinge on how Australia rebuild, and whether Proteas seamers can sustain this punch.

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