[WATCH] WTC 2025 Final: Marnus Labuschagne’s flying catch ends Temba Bavuma’s gritty knock

Marnus Labuschagne pulled off a stunning catch to break the ominous-looking partnership between Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham in the first session on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC 2025) final at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

On Thursday, June 12, South Africa’s innings resumed at 43/4, with Bavuma and Bedingham playing counter-attacking cricket. The South African captain got a reprieve in the sixth over of the day. He was given out LBW off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling. Bavuma reviewed the decision, and there was clear daylight between bat and ball on replays. However, third umpire Richard Kettleborough went by the rule book and asked the on-field umpire to overturn his decision.

Bavuma and Bedingham continued batting with intent and kept the scoreboard ticking. However, Australian captain Pat Cummins got the better of his opposite number off the second ball of the 40th over in South Africa’s first innings. He bowled a gentle delivery full and outside the off-stump. Bavuma went for a drive on the up and didn’t look to keep it down along the ground. Marnus Labuschagne, who was standing near cover, dived to his right and took a sharp catch using both hands. He didn’t let the ball pop out of his grasp when his elbows hit the ground.

Watch Marnus Labuschagne’s stunning catch here:

Bavuma’s promising knock ended after he had scored 36 runs off 84 balls, with the help of four fours and one six. He stitched a crucial 64-run stand off 114 balls with Bedingham for the fifth wicket. At the fall of Bavuma’s wicket, South Africa were reduced to 94/5, still trailing Australia’s first-innings score by 118 runs. Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne have joined forces, and the onus will be on them to take the Proteas as close as they can to Australia’s total.