KKN Gurugram Desk | Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a game-changing performance on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, turning the tide in his team’s favor with a brilliant six-wicket haul against South Africa. With this feat, Cummins not only decimated the Proteas batting line-up but also went on to surpass Jasprit Bumrah to become the leading wicket-taker in the WTC 2025 cycle.
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This exceptional spell from the Aussie skipper has drawn high praise from former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra, who went on record stating that Cummins has now moved ahead of Bumrah in the race for red-ball supremacy.
Pat Cummins Dominates with the Ball on Day 2
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first. Australia managed a modest 212 runs in their first innings. In response, the Proteas got off to a decent start in the first session. However, what followed was a masterclass in pace bowling from Pat Cummins, who tore through the South African batting order with figures of 6 wickets for 42 runs, bowling them out for just 138 runs.
This gave Australia a crucial first-innings lead of 74 runs, which they built on by scoring 144/8 by stumps on Day 2, extending their lead to 218 runs heading into Day 3.
WTC Final 2025 – Key Match Highlights So Far
| Match Stage | Score |
|---|---|
| Australia – 1st Innings | 212 all out |
| South Africa – 1st Innings | 138 all out |
| Australia – 2nd Innings | 144/8 (End of Day 2) |
| Australia Lead | 218 runs |
With two full days remaining in the WTC Final, and Australia holding a significant lead, Pat Cummins’ performance could very well be the defining factor of the championship match.
Pat Cummins Breaks WTC Records
Pat Cummins’ six-wicket haul not only helped Australia gain the upper hand but also added several personal milestones to his illustrious Test career.
Cummins’ Record-Breaking Stats:
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Most 5-wicket hauls in WTC 2025: 6
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Most wickets in WTC 2025 cycle: 79
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Surpassed Jasprit Bumrah, who had 78 wickets
With one innings still to go, Cummins has a chance to extend his record even further. His consistency, especially in high-pressure matches like the WTC Final, has drawn comparisons with the very best fast bowlers in modern Test cricket.
Aakash Chopra: ‘Cummins Is Now Ahead of Bumrah’
Renowned cricket analyst and former Indian opener Aakash Chopra praised Cummins on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that the Australian skipper’s performance sets him apart, even when compared to India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
“South Africa started well, but then Pat Cummins came in and took six wickets. What a bowler! He may not always be in the spotlight because of names like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood around him, but Cummins the captain and Cummins the bowler are both superstars,” said Chopra.
“He now has the most five-wicket hauls in this WTC cycle, and he has overtaken Bumrah in total wickets. Right now, he’s ahead of Bumrah in the race.”
Chopra’s praise underscores the significance of Cummins’ performance, particularly considering the context — a WTC Final where every wicket and every run could determine the champion.
Comparison: Cummins vs Bumrah in WTC 2025
| Stat | Pat Cummins | Jasprit Bumrah |
|---|---|---|
| Wickets in WTC 2025 Cycle | 79 | 78 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 6 | 5 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 6/42 | 6/49 |
| Matches Played | 14 | 13 |
The numbers are neck and neck, but Cummins’ latest heroics on the biggest stage in Test cricket give him the edge — both statistically and symbolically.
Australia’s Lead and the Road Ahead
Heading into Day 3, Australia’s position looks strong with a 218-run lead and two wickets still in hand. A second innings total of around 200 would leave South Africa needing over 300 runs on a challenging pitch, and with the Australian bowling attack in top form, the task appears monumental.
Australia will be relying on their bowlers — especially Cummins, Starc, and Lyon — to wrap up proceedings and reclaim the WTC title, which they last won in 2023 against India at The Oval.
Why Cummins’ Performance Matters Beyond the Final
Pat Cummins’ resurgence as a bowling force also comes at a crucial time for Australian cricket. With speculations about player rotations and the need for new leadership in the post-Warner and post-Smith era, Cummins has anchored himself as both a reliable leader and a match-winner.
His fitness, discipline, and ability to deliver under pressure reaffirms his position as one of the finest fast bowlers of the modern generation.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The cricketing world has taken note of Cummins’ dominance:
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Fans on Twitter/X hailed his spell as “WTC defining.”
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Australian media called it “a captain’s performance of the highest order.”
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Former cricketers like Shane Watson and Brett Lee praised his rhythm and execution.
Meanwhile, Indian fans have begun heated debates comparing Cummins to Bumrah, with hashtags like #CumminsVsBumrah and #WTCFinal2025 trending across platforms.
While comparisons with Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, and others will continue, Pat Cummins’ WTC 2025 performance has elevated his status. Surpassing Bumrah in total wickets and delivering in the final itself showcases not just talent, but also temperament.
As Day 3 of the WTC Final 2025 unfolds, all eyes will remain on Cummins — not just as a captain but as a bowler who continues to redefine excellence in modern-day Test cricket.
