Twin collapse deters Australia in title defence

WTC Final 2025: Collapse friendly Australia lead by 218 runs

Leading by 74 runs at the end of 1st innings, Australia had the chance to put the game to bed. However, any chance of a staggering lead was cut short with yet another sorry batting display at Lord’s.

Kagiso Rabada kicked on from the first innings and rocked Australia with twin strikes of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. The defending champions were stuttering at 73/7. The Aussies lost 7 wickets for 45 runs in a meek surrender of advantage.

This collapse comes on the heels of their first innings slip up. Australia were cruising at 146/4, before being bundled out for 212.

Australia’s collapses

1st innings: 146/4 to 212 all out – 66/6

2nd innings: 28/0 to 73/7 – 45/7

WTC Final: Chasing 250 wont be easy says Lungi Ngidi

Australia lead by 218 with 2 more wickets in the bag. South Africa could not get past 150 batting first but Lungi Ngidi remains hopeful of a chase. Should South Africa chase this, it will be the highest total of the World Test Championship. At Lord’s only 4 chases in excess have been made, the last one came in 2005. Ngidi understood the task at hand but believes they are still in the game.

“We were still in the game, they bowled very well. At the end of the day, we still had a job to do. The coach asked us, do whatever you do, do it with conviction. Obviously, if you go out, go out on your own terms. The first innings was tough, there was no rhythm. I was fighting a lot while bowling. There were some nerves. Once I got the rhythm I went running with it. It was pretty exciting. Hearing my name, just gave me the energy. We are in a good position. Two balls could wrap it up. We will focus on that. Chasing anything under 250 it won’t be easy, but we will want to give ourselves the best chance,” Lungi Ngidi at the end of days play.