SA vs AUS WTC Final: From Kagiso Rabada's Fifer To Steve Smith's Record- Top 5 Moments From Day 1

SA vs AUS WTC Final: Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord's saw high drama and fluctuating fortunes as Australia were bowled out for 212 before South Africa faltered with the bat, ending the day reeling at 43 for 4.

As lot of work left to achieve in the coming days, here are the top five moments that defined the opening day of this high-stakes clash.

1. Kagiso Rabada's Fiery Five-For Makes History at Lord's

Kagiso Rabada etched his name in WTC final history by becoming only the second bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the summit clash, after Kyle Jamieson in 2021. The South African pace ace dismantled Australia's top and lower order with figures of 5 for 51 in 15.4 overs. He is also now the fourth-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test cricket.

2) Rabada's Double Dismissal In One Over

The South African speedster pulled off a sensational double blow in the seventh over of Australia's first innings. The fiery pacer, known for his aggression and accuracy, first removed Usman Khawaja with a well-directed delivery that kissed the edge and flew straight to David Bedingham at first slip. Khawaja, who struggled throughout his 20-ball stay, was dismissed for a duck, giving South Africa a crucial early breakthrough.

Rabada wasn't done yet. On the final delivery of that same over, he struck again-this time sending Cameron Green back to the pavilion. Green had just arrived at the crease and looked to settle in, but Rabada's pace and bounce proved too much. The ball took the outside edge and Aiden Markram, stationed at second slip, took a sharp catch to complete the dismissal. Green departed for just 4 runs off 3 balls.

3) Steve Smith's Record

Steve Smith lit up Lord's with a classy half-century in the ongoing Final. Walking in at No. 4 for Australia after early setbacks, the veteran batter played with trademark composure and authority to reach his fifty in 76 deliveries.

Smith brought up the milestone in style, dispatching Kagiso Rabada to the boundary on the very first ball of the 33rd over. His fluent knock not only steadied the innings for Pat Cummins' men but also etched a significant achievement in the record books. With this latest fifty, Smith now holds the distinction of registering the most 50-plus scores in Test matches in England by any overseas player.

4) Beau Webster's Late Surge

Beau Webster played a crucial late hand for Australia on Day 1. Walking in with his side under pressure at 67 for 4, he absorbed the pressure initially before launching a spirited counter-attack in the final session.

Webster's innings brought much-needed stability and momentum to Australia's innings after a middle-order collapse. He scored a valuable 72 off 92 deliveries, an effort that included 11 boundaries. His aggressive yet calculated approach allowed Australia to claw their way past the 200-run mark.

5) Mitchell Starc's Early Fireworks

Mitchell Starc delivered a fiery opening burst to rattle South Africa early in their first innings on Day 1. He struck in the very first over, removing Aiden Markram for a duck, and followed it up with the dismissal of Ryan Rickelton for 16. With pace, swing, and pinpoint accuracy, Starc's opening spell set the tone for Australia's dominance. He finished the day with impressive figures of 2 for 10 in 7 overs, leaving South Africa struggling at 43 for 4 and still trailing by 169 runs.