Kagiso Rabada’s Fiery Spell Rocks Australia Early In WTC Final As Khawaja, Green Depart In One Over: WATCH

SA vs AUS, WTC Final: Kagiso Rabada delivered a sensational opening spell at Lord's as South Africa made early inroads against Australia on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025.

The seasoned fast bowler struck twice in a fiery burst, removing key Australian batters Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green within a span of five deliveries to give the Proteas a dream start.

After skipper Temba Bavuma elected to field first under overcast skies in London, Rabada wasted no time in exploiting the helpful conditions. Bowling with precision and control, he conceded no runs in his first three overs.

Then came the breakthrough - in the fourth over, Rabada dismissed Australia's leading WTC run-scorer Usman Khawaja for a duck. The left-hander, after facing 20 deliveries, edged one to first slip where David Bedingham made no mistake.

Just when Australia looked to regroup, Rabada struck again in his next over. Cameron Green, who came in at No. 3, drove his first ball for a boundary but was undone three deliveries later. A thick edge flew to Aiden Markram at second slip, and Australia were suddenly reeling. The double strike from Rabada was a statement of intent and a reflection of the pressure South Africa is determined to apply in this marquee clash. The dismissals quickly gained traction online, with ICC sharing the video that rapidly went viral on social media.

Already South Africa's most successful bowler in the history of the WTC, Rabada is closing in on more significant milestones. With 329 wickets before the start of this match, he needs just two more to overtake Allan Donald's tally of 330 and become the fourth-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test cricket.

Additionally, if Rabada finishes this Test with seven or more scalps, he will surpass Jacques Kallis' mark of 572 international wickets, moving into the top five among South Africa's all-time wicket-takers across formats.

Rabada's spell has not only rattled the Australian top order but also set the tone for South Africa's quest to claim their maiden WTC title in the early stages of the game.