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Key Points

Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul restricted Australia to 212 before Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins dismantled South Africa’s top order. Despite Beau Webster and Steve Smith’s half-centuries, Australia’s bowlers dominated the final session. South Africa ended Day 1 at 43/4, trailing by 169 runs. The WTC Final hangs in balance as both teams rely on their pace attacks.

Key Points: Rabada's fifer and Starc strike leave SA reeling in WTC Final

  • Rabada claims 5-51 to dismantle Australia for 212
  • Starc and Cummins reduce SA to 43/4 at stumps
  • Webster (72) and Smith (66) top-score for Australia
  • SA trail by 169 with Bavuma, Bedingham fighting
3 min read

WTC Final: Bowlers strike as SA slump to 43/4 after Rabada's fifer dismisses Australia for 212

Kagiso Rabada's 5-51 and Mitchell Starc's fiery spell put South Africa at 43/4 after Australia were bowled out for 212 on Day 1 of the WTC Final.

"Rabada was at his pacy and accurate best to pick a fifer and move past Allan Donald. – Match Report"

London, June 11

Australia's fast bowlers were at their accurate best as they reduced South Africa to 43/4 in 22 overs at stumps on Day One of the World Test Championship final at the Lord's on Wednesday. On a day when 14 wickets fell, Kagiso Rabada claimed 5-51 as Australia were bowled out for 212.

But Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood struck in the final session to leave South Africa four down, with them trailing Australia by 169 runs. They would need big runs from skipper Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, unbeaten on three and eight respectively, to make a fightback on the second. After being bowled out for 212, Australia needed to respond strongly, and Starc provided for it in the opening over when Aiden Markram chopped onto his stumps.

Starc could have got his second wicket if Alex Carey hadn't dropped a regulation catch of Wiaan Mulder. But four overs later, Starc got his second scalp when Ryan Rickelton nicked on a drive to first slip. Mulder struggled to get going and made just six off 44 balls before a full, straight, and nipping back in from Cummins castled him through the gate.

It was Hazlewood's turn to join the wicket-taker's list when his slightly fuller delivery nipped back in and hit Tristan Stubbs' top of the off-stump. Though Bavuma got off the mark on his 31st delivery and Bedingham hit some boundaries to end the day, Australia's awe-inspiring fast-bowling trio ensured that the total of 212 did not look under-par.

Previously, Rabada was at his pacy and accurate best to pick a fifer in his 15.4 overs and move past Allan Donald to be in fourth spot on South Africa's all-time wicket-takers list after ending Australia's innings in 56.4 overs. Australia had entered the third session at 190/5 in 50 overs, but Rabada wrapped up the innings in the post-tea session in just 36 minutes.

For Australia, Beau Webster top-scored with 72 while Steve Smith hit 66. Supporting Rabada in his pursuit were Marco Jansen's 3-49, while Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram took a wicket each. In the post-tea session, Alex Carey fell straightaway as his attempt to reverse-sweep off Keshav Maharaj resulted in his stumps being castled for 23.

Rabada then came in to knock off Pat Cummins, before having Webster edge to first slip. After Jansen castled Nathan Lyon through the gate, Rabada burst through Mitchell Starc's defences to end Australia's innings, before the reigning mace holders hit back in an engrossing day of deciding the winner of the Ultimate Test.

Brief scores:

Australia 212 in 56.4 overs (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49) lead South Africa 43/4 in 22 overs (Ryan Rickelton 16; Mitchell Starc 2-10, Josh Hazlewood 1-10) by 169 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the WTC Final article:
R
Rahul K.
What a bowling display from both teams! Rabada was 🔥 today but Australia's trio proved why they're the best in business. This is proper Test cricket - bowlers dominating on a sporting wicket. Hope India takes notes for our next overseas tour!
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Priya M.
Feeling sad for South Africa after that strong start. Their batting has been their weakness for years now. Bavuma needs to play a captain's knock tomorrow or this match will be over quickly. Still, 169 runs lead is not huge - game is wide open!
A
Arjun S.
This match shows why Test cricket is the real deal! No T20 slogging here - just pure skill and temperament. Rabada's fifer was special but Australia's reply with the ball was clinical. Makes me wonder - where was this SA bowling when they toured India last time? 🤔
S
Sunita R.
As an Indian fan, watching this quality fast bowling makes me jealous! We need to develop more genuine fast bowlers beyond Bumrah and Shami. The way Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood bowl in tandem is a masterclass. Hope our young pacers are watching!
V
Vikram J.
That dropped catch by Carey could be costly! In low-scoring matches like this, every chance matters. Still think Australia has upper hand - their bowlers look hungrier. But credit to Rabada - what a champion bowler he's become!
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Neha P.
The real winner today was Test cricket! After all the IPL madness, this was such a refreshing change. Proper technique, swing bowling, and batters actually defending - yaar, this is cricket as it should be played! Hope Day 2 is equally exciting 🤞

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