Who will win the World Test Championship 2025?

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 is currently underway between Australia and South Africa at Lord's in London. As of the end of Day 2 (June 12, 2025), the match has been a thrilling, low-scoring affair dominated by the bowlers.

Who will win the World Test Championship 2025?

It's extremely difficult to predict a winner at this stage, as the match has seen continuous twists and turns. Both teams have had periods of dominance, and the game is finely poised.

• Australia are the defending champions, having won the WTC Final in 2023 against India. They are looking to become the first team to win back-to-back WTC titles.
• South Africa are playing in their first WTC Final and are eager to secure their first ICC trophy in this century.

An astrologer, Greenstone Lobo, has predicted that South Africa will triumph over Australia, citing South Africa's "astrological momentum" and the presence of "Grey Lizard" players (born between 1996 and 2001) in their squad. However, in cricket, it ultimately comes down to performance on the day!

Current Situation (End of Day 2):

The match is currently in a very exciting phase, with both teams having a strong claim.

• Australia's 1st Innings: Australia was bowled out for 212 runs. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) were the only significant contributors. Kagiso Rabada was the star for South Africa, taking an impressive 5 wickets for 51 runs (5/51). Marco Jansen also chipped in with 3/49.
• South Africa's 1st Innings: South Africa struggled even more, being bowled out for just 138 runs. David Bedingham (45) and captain Temba Bavuma (36) showed some resistance, but Australia's captain Pat Cummins was sensational, taking a career-best 6 wickets for 28 runs (6/28). This gave Australia a crucial 74-run first-innings lead.
• Australia's 2nd Innings: Australia, despite having a lead, found themselves in deep trouble. At stumps on Day 2, they were 144/8, leading by 218 runs. South African pacers Kagiso Rabada (3/44) and Lungi Ngidi (3/35) once again wreaked havoc. However, a crucial 8th-wicket partnership between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16* not out) helped Australia add valuable runs and extend their lead.

Whose scale is heavier?

Given the current state of play:

• South Africa: They are in a strong position. While they are chasing, a target under 250 on a Lord's pitch (which historically gets better for batting on Day 3) is considered chaseable. Their bowlers have been exceptional, twice rattling Australia's strong batting line-up. They will be confident of restricting Australia's remaining two wickets quickly and then chasing down the target. Their fielding and DRS reviews have been a bit mixed, which they will need to improve.
• Australia: Despite the precarious position at 144/8, Australia still has a decent lead of 218 runs. With Mitchell Starc (a capable lower-order batsman) still at the crease, they will aim to add as many runs as possible. Their bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, is formidable and will pose a serious threat to South Africa's chase. If they can get their lead closer to 250-260, they will feel much more comfortable.

Conclusion:

The WTC Final 2025 is set for a dramatic finish on Day 3 (or possibly beyond, as a reserve day is available). It's truly 50-50 at this point. The first hour of play on Day 3 will be crucial in determining which team gains the upper hand. Both teams possess strong bowling attacks capable of taking quick wickets, and it will likely come down to which batting unit can hold its nerve under pressure.