WTC Final 2025: Australia dismiss South Africa for 138 in first innings, Cummins led charge with memorable 6-wicket haul

Australia (AUS) dismissed South Africa (SA) for a paltry total of 138 runs in the first innings of the WTC Final 2025 (World Test Championship) to gain a healthy lead of 74 runs on a challenging track to bat on at the Home of Cricket, Lord’s. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, who ran through the batting line-up and completed the mark of 300 Test wickets with a 6-fer to his name.

Chasing Australia’s 212, SA lost the wicket of Aiden Markram in the very first over of the innings, thanks to a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Starc. Ryan Rickelton could not stay long either, as the left-arm pacer claimed his second wicket of the innings. What followed was Pat Cummins’ masterclass with the ball.

The Australian skipper dismissed Wiaan Mulder, which was followed by the dismissal of Tristan Stubbs, courtesy of a great delivery from Josh Hazlewood. As Day 1 of the match ended at stumps, South Africa were reduced to 43/4. On Day 2, SA indeed picked up the pace, as a good partnership was formed between Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham.

Cummins claims a 6-fer, completes milestone of 300 Test wickets

For the fifth wicket, the duo posted 64 runs before Bavuma threw his wicket away against the run of play. Pat Cummins later got rid of Kyle Verreynne with a great DRS call and followed it up with a brilliant caught and bowled dismissal to get rid of Marco Jansen.

The Australian skipper delivered a good delivery and induced the outside edge of Bedingham’s willow, as Carey made no mistakes to ensure his captain claimed a fifer at the Home of Cricket. In no time, South Africa collapsed from 94/4 at one stage to 135/8 in the second session of the second day.

Keshav Maharaj became a victim of a run-out, while Cummins got rid of Kagiso Rabada to dismiss SA for 138 in their first innings. In the process, he claimed 6/28 in his 18.1 overs, including six maiden overs. Cummins also completed the milestone of 300 Test wickets after dismissing Rabada.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the South African innings –