KKN Gurugram Desk | Cricket fans around the world witnessed a high-octane opening day in the World Test Championship Final 2025, being played between Australia and South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The day not only showcased a fierce battle between two pace-dominant teams but also saw an unprecedented record in the 145-year history of Test cricket.

The match, billed as a battle between two of the most competitive teams in the world, lived up to expectations as a bowler-dominated Day 1 unfolded, with 14 wickets falling on a pitch that offered plenty for the pacers.

Australia Crumble to 212, Rabada Wreaks Havoc with 5-Wicket Haul

After losing the toss, Australia were invited to bat first, and their innings struggled against South Africa’s lethal pace attack. Leading the charge was Kagiso Rabada, who put in a match-defining performance by taking 5 wickets for 51 runs in 15.4 overs. He was ably supported by Marco Jansen, who claimed 3 wickets.

Australia were eventually bundled out for 212 runs, a total that seemed below par but proved competitive as the game progressed. Standout moments included sharp seam movement, strategic short-pitched deliveries, and a string of dismissals caused by sheer bowling brilliance.

South Africa’s Top Order Falters Under Pressure

In response, South Africa had a rocky start to their first innings. By stumps, they were reduced to 43/4, with Australia’s fast bowlers striking back in style. Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood picked up one each.

The highlight, however, was the dismissal of South Africa’s opener Aiden Markram for a duck, a moment that would soon turn into a historic milestone in Test cricket annals.

145 Years in the Making: An Unusual Record Shocks the Cricketing World

In a truly rare cricketing occurrence, both teams saw their opening batters dismissed for a duck in their respective first innings. Usman Khawaja for Australia and Aiden Markram for South Africa were sent back to the pavilion without scoring a single run—a situation that has never happened before in a Test match played in England since Test cricket began in 1880 at The Oval.

The WTC Final 2025 has now gone down in the record books as the first-ever Test match in England (out of 561 Tests played in the country) where both sides lost their first batters for zero in the first innings.

This also marked only the 10th instance in overall Test history where both openers across both teams were dismissed for ducks—a statistical anomaly that stunned even the most seasoned cricket statisticians.

Kagiso Rabada: South Africa’s Modern-Day Pace Legend

Among the many standout performances on Day 1, Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell took center stage. His five-wicket haul not only tilted the balance in South Africa’s favor but also helped him climb the ranks among South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket.

At just 30 years of age, Rabada now has 322 wickets in 71 Test matches, surpassing the legendary Allan Donald, who had 330 Test wickets.

 Top Test Wicket-Takers for South Africa (as of June 12, 2025):

1. Dale Steyn – 439 wickets

2. Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets

3. Makhaya Ntini – 390 wickets

4. Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets

5. Allan Donald – 330 wickets

6. Morne Morkel – 309 wickets

With several years of cricket likely ahead of him, Rabada is on track to challenge Dale Steyn’s record if he maintains his fitness and form.

Why the WTC Final 2025 Will Be Remembered for Decades

The events of the opening day at Lord’s are a testament to how unpredictable and thrilling Test cricket can be. From rare statistical feats to game-changing bowling spells, the day had all the ingredients of a classic contest.

What makes this WTC Final especially memorable:

• A historical anomaly with both openers scoring ducks for the first time in 145 years of Test history.

• A sensational five-wicket haul by Rabada in a high-pressure final.

• A gripping battle between world-class fast bowling units on both sides.

• A pitch at Lord’s that favored pace, reviving memories of traditional English conditions.

Cricket fans and analysts are already calling it one of the most dramatic opening days in WTC final history.

What Lies Ahead? A Match Poised for an Epic Finish

As Day 2 approaches, the match remains evenly poised. South Africa will need their middle order to rebuild from 43/4, while Australia will look to exploit the fragile top order further. The first innings lead, no matter how small, could be decisive in a match expected to go down to the wire.

With both sides having elite fast bowlers and batting depth, the next few days could bring momentum shifts, stunning comebacks, or perhaps even another record-breaking day.

The WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s has already carved a special place in cricket history books. A match that started with drama is now carrying the weight of legacy, records, and high-quality competition. From Kagiso Rabada’s blistering performance to the rare double-duck opener dismissal, this final is a cricketing story that fans will remember for decades.

KKNLive.com will continue to provide ball-by-ball updates, expert opinions, and deep-dive analysis of this iconic clash between Australia and South Africa.