SA 43/4 in 22 Overs (Stumps) | South Africa vs Australia Live Score Updates of ICC WTC 2025 Final Day 1: Bowlers Dominate Opening Day With Australia Slightly Ahead

Stumps! That's the end of Day 1's play and it has been a fascinating three sessions. Bowlers from both sides were on the frontfoot as first South Africa bowled out Australia for just 212 on the board with Kagiso Rabada scalping a five-wicket haul. As it seemed like South Africa can edge ahead, the trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood dominate pushing them to 43/4 in just more than a half session of play on Day 1. The Proteas still have a long distance to go but 14 wickets on Day 1 will surely indicate how the pitch has been for the day. Steve Smith and Beau Webster played two crucial innings and looking back, they might be the difference maker. Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham have task cut out for them as Australia are slightly ahead here at the end of Day 1. 

Out! Tristan Stubbs departs and South Africa are in trouble. They have never got momentum in their innings and after toiling and struggling throughout the third season they have not found ways to score runs and had to concede wickets. This time Josh Hazlewood sets up Stubbs and brings one back to rattle his stumps. South Africa need a jailbreak from here. Stubbs b Hazlewood 2(13).

Out! Pat Cummins joins the game and Wiaan Mulder departs. Mulder survived earlier after nicking a delivery as Alex Carey dropped a sitter. This time, Cummins goes really full but the ball comes in to knock over the stumps of Mulder who went for an expansive drive. South Africa have got to nowhere with their innings so far. They have to be brave from here on. Mulder b Cummins 6(44).

Out! Mitchell Starc steps up in a big final once again. Got one to swing late, close around Ryan Rickelton's bat, luring him into the drive. Rickelton goes for it and gets an outside edge which flew to the hands of the slip fielder who gobbled a very easy catch. Crucial breakthrough for Australia and Starc looking good makes it better. Rickelton c Khawaja b Mitchell Starc 16(23).

Out! Mitchell Starc strikesi n the first over. When Starc himself was dismissed, we pointed out, he won't mind it if he gets the same movement off the deck. He gets it now and Aiden Markram ends up playing a tentative drive to it, getting an inside edge which crashed into the stumps. South Africa's test begins against the quality Australia bowling attack. Markram b Mitchell Starc 0(6).

Out! That's It! Quality bowling from Kagiso Rabada at the biggest of stages. Once again attacked the stumps, big movement and Mitchell Starc's stumps got rattled. He won't mind though if the nature of the surface remains like that. Although this is the moment for Kagiso Rabada. Scalped a five-wicket haul and played the big role in restricting Australia to 212. South Africa will have the batting challenge in their hands now. Mitchell Starc b Rabada 1(12).

Out! After the Tea break, both the South African strike bowlers have returned and have been on point throughout. This time Marco Jansen makes one nip back in from off stump line and Nathan Lyon got foxed and cleaned up. Only one wicket remain now for Australia. South Africa will want to end this soon and have the opportunity to have a big lead.  Lyon b Marco Jansen 0(4).

Out! Kagiso Rabada continues his form and South Africa start the third session by dismissing the two set batters. Rabada lands it on length, Beau Webster goes for the drive on the up and the ball gets the edge to fly to the slips. Easy catch in the end and Webster departs. Only the tail remains for Australia now and South Africa will not want it to wag. Webster c Bedingham b Rabada 72(92).

Out! Kagiso Rabada helps South Africa push a little more towards cleaning up the Australian tail as he cleans up Pat Cummins. Pitches it on off middle and the ball seams just enough take his off stump off. Rabada has been sensational throughout the day and he will want to end the Aussie innings soon. Cummins b Rabada 1(6).

Out! Keshav Maharaj enters the play. A loopy delivery onto off, spins in after pitching. Carey plays a reverse sweep off the first ball of the spinner in this session. The ball ends up sneaking under his bat and knocks his stumps over. Another wicket after a partnership against the run of play. South Africa will want to clean up the tail soon now.  Carey b Maharaj 23(31).