In a strategic move after winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat, placing Australia in the field. Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer in South Africa’s bowling lineup, particularly against the Australian opener Usman Khawaja. Rabada’s early pressure culminated in Khawaja’s dismissal. This performance immediately drew comparisons to the world’s top-ranked bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who has not taken a wicket in WTC finals. Rabada further troubled the Australian top order by dismissing Cameron Green. With the wicket of Khawaja, Rabada added another feather to his cap by reaching 50 Test wickets against Australia. Across his Test career, Rabada has taken 327 wickets in 70 matches, with his best performance being 7/112 against England. His remarkable performance places him among the top wicket-takers for South Africa in Test cricket.
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood