Sports

Rabada and Ngidi Reignite Proteas Hopes in WTC Final at Lord’s

Published

3 months ago

June 13, 2025

Chiraag

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South Africa claw back into the contest as their pace attack rattles Australia on a high-drama second day at cricket’s grandest stage

Lord’s has always been where cricketing folklore is written – and on Thursday, South Africa began scripting a chapter of their own. After a morning that threatened to unravel their World Test Championship dreams, it was Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi who stormed back into the spotlight, dragging the Proteas back into a final that looked like it was slipping away.

If Day 1 set the scene, Day 2 brought the fireworks.

Cummins crushes early hopes

The morning belonged entirely to Pat Cummins, whose bowling was nothing short of surgical. With pace, control, and guile, the Australian captain dismantled South Africa’s first innings for just 138. His final figures – 6 for 28 – were among his finest, marking his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests and his 300th Test scalp.

It was a ruthless display. South Africa, trailing by 74 runs, looked deflated. Cummins had not only ripped through the line-up but, momentarily at least, stolen the Proteas’ spirit.

Aussie fans online were already parading the hashtag #BackToBackMace, celebrating what felt like an inevitable march to another World Test Championship crown.

The Rabada-Ngidi fightback

But Test cricket is a game of sessions – and South Africa owned the next one.

Kagiso Rabada, with his trademark intensity, burst through Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a fiery opening spell. His energy, experience, and refusal to relent sparked something in the Proteas’ ranks.

And then came Lungi Ngidi. Often overshadowed, but never underpowered, he was clinical. His dismissal of Steve Smith – Australia’s batting mainstay – was pivotal. He later returned to claim Travis Head and even Cummins himself, finishing the day with an impressive 3 for 35.

Australia, once cruising, suddenly found themselves reeling at 73/7.

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Image 1: Facebook/ICC – International Cricket Council

Lower-order resistance keeps final alive

Just as the Proteas threatened to run through the tail, Alex Carey dug in. His gritty 43, paired with Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 16, helped Australia scrape to 144/8 by stumps – a lead of 218 runs heading into Day 3.

It’s a total that still gives Australia a chance to defend, but it’s no longer the cruise it once looked like.

More than just a game for South Africa

For the Proteas, this final isn’t just about silverware – it’s about statement. South African cricket has battled through inconsistency, leadership changes, and near-misses. A World Test Championship title would be historic – their first taste of major Test glory since readmission.

Captain Temba Bavuma set the tone early in the day with a defiant six off Cummins, and David Bedingham offered resistance with a well-made 45. But it was the bowlers who flipped the narrative – not just taking wickets, but shifting the mood in a way only fast bowlers can.

From Gauteng to the Garden Route, Proteas fans will wake up tomorrow believing again.

What next?

With Starc and Lyon still at the crease and two wickets remaining, Day 3 will be a pressure cooker. The pitch is beginning to show bite, the bowlers smell blood, and both teams know that one decisive session could tip the Test either way.

So whether you’re tuned in from a braai in Bryanston or following updates on your phone in traffic, this is the kind of Test cricket that grips you. South Africa aren’t just surviving anymore – they’re striking back.

And at Lord’s, no less.