Predicting South Africa’s playing XI against Australia for the WTC 2023-25 finals

The in-form South Africa will take on the defending World Test Champions, Australia, in the final of the WTC 2023-25 cycle. The summit clash of the tournament will be played at the Lord’s in London, starting on June 11. The Proteas have also announced their squad for the all-important title clash of the tournament in their quest to win the maiden WTC title. 

The Temba Bavuma-led Proteas side is enjoying a sensational run of form in their last five Test appearances in the tournament. Notably, South Africa are coming off a huge 10-wicket win against Pakistan in their last Test game. 

Given that, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of South Africa for the WTC 2023-25 final in London. 

Opener 

South Africa are expected to go with the opening pair of wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton and the veteran batter Aiden Markram. Both the batters have been in a brilliant batting form in the tournament, playing a crucial role in South Africa’s qualification to the tournament’s final. 

Rickelton has smashed 451 runs in nine innings, including an unbeaten appearance and an amazing batting average of 56.37, hitting two centuries. It also includes a double-century to his credit (259 runs in an innings). Speaking of Aiden Markram, he is currently one of the leading run-scorers for his side in the tournament, scoring 572 runs in 18 innings, with a brilliant average of 33.64, hitting a century and four half-centuries. 

Middle-Order  

The Proteas’ middle-order will start with the star number batter Tristan Stubbs, who has aggregated 500 runs in 16 innings in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, with two centuries and a half-century. He will be followed by skipper Temba Bavuma at number four; skipper Bavuma is the second leading run-scorer for his side in the tournament, scoring 609 runs in 11 innings, with an outstanding batting average of 60.90, hitting two centuries and four half-centuries.

Furthermore, at number five, SA’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, David Bedingham, will be there to bat. 

All-Rounders  

Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen are set to be a part of South Africa’s playing XI in the role of two specialist all-rounders. Mulder has impressed both with the bat and the ball, scoring 263 runs in eight innings, with a brilliant average of 52.60, hitting a century and a half-century. Besides that, he has also scalped 11 wickets in 10 innings, including a four-wicket haul. 

Speaking of Marco Jansen, he has scored 200 runs in nine innings, hitting two half-centuries with the bat, alongside being one of the leading wicket-takers for SA in the list of bowlers. Jansen has scalped 29 wickets in 12 innings, claiming a four-wicket haul and two five-wicket hauls. 

Bowlers  

The bowling attack will include two out-and-out pacers, Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada. Apart from this trio, the star all-rounder Marco Jansen will also be there in the role of third quick, which has been one of the major dilemmas for Proteas management. 

Rabada scalped 47 wickets in 20 innings, along with three 5-wicket hauls, making him the leading wicket-taker. He is followed by the veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj, who has scalped 40 wickets in just 13 innings, with two four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. Lungi Ngidi will also be a crucial asset with the ball for SA in the WTC final against Australia. He has played only two games in WTC 2023-25 cycle, but his experience could be very impactful at the pace-friendly turf in London. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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