Sports News: The final match of the World Test Championship ( WTC Final 2025 ) is to be played between the two best teams - South Africa and Australia from 11 June 2025. The Australian team captained by Pat Cummins will once again be eyeing to capture the trophy.Announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on September 3, 2024, the match crowns a two-year cycle that saw Australia top the WTC points table with a 64.29% win rate, followed by South Africa at 59.26%.
The event at the “Home of Cricket” is poised to captivate fans globally, with India missing out after finishing third. This marks the third WTC Final, following Australia’s 2023 triumph over India.
Match Details and Stakes
Lord’s, hosting its first WTC Final, adds historic prestige, with 28,000 daily spectators expected, per Sportstar. Australia, led by Cummins, boasts a formidable lineup, including Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood, while South Africa relies on Kagiso Rabada’s pace and Aiden Markram’s batting. The final follows a grueling cycle of 69 matches, with Australia’s dominance in the 2023-25 Ashes and South Africa’s 3-0 sweep over Pakistan sealing their spots. Prize money, unchanged since 2023, underscores the financial incentive, but the prestige of lifting the WTC Mace, as Australia did in 2023, drives both teams. Broadcast details include Star Sports in India and Sky Sports in the UK, with live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Teams and Expectations
Australia enters as favorites, having won the 2023 WTC Final by 209 runs against India, with a balanced attack featuring Nathan Lyon’s spin and Travis Head’s aggressive batting. South Africa, making their WTC Final debut, has shown resilience, overcoming a 2023 cycle loss to India with key wins against England and New Zealand. Bavuma’s leadership, bolstered by Keshav Maharaj’s spin, aims to counter Australia’s experience. X posts, like @Cricbuzz
, highlight Rabada’s 285 Test wickets as a game-changer, while Cummins’ 269 wickets pose a threat. Both teams will prepare at Lord’s nets from June 7, facing England’s seaming conditions, with weather forecasts suggesting a 20% chance of rain. Fans anticipate a tactical battle, with South Africa’s underdog spirit potentially challenging Australia’s dominance, setting the stage for a defining moment in the 2024-25 cricket season.
