South Africa’s strongest playing 11 for WTC 2025 final at Lord’s

South Africa Strongest Playing 11 for WTC 2025 Final: Full Squad Breakdown

The stage is set for the ultimate red-ball showdown as South Africa lock horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, London, from June 11 to 15. Let’s look at South Africa Strongest Playing 11 for WTC 2025 Final.

South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket has been senational, culminating in a top-of-the-table finish with a win percentage of 69.44, ahead of Australia’s 67.54. 

Road to the final  

South Africa played 12 Tests during the WTC cycle, winning 8, losing 3, and drawing 1, collecting 100 points. Their clinical consistency, particularly at home and in spin-friendly Asian conditions, proved vital. Key wins came against India, Pakistan, and West Indies, and their fast-bowling core remained the cornerstone of their campaign. 

South Africa’s strongest XI for WTC 2025 Final 

1. Aiden Markram – The aggressive opener scored 572runs at an average of 33.64, including a century and three half-centuries in the WTC 2023-25 cycle.
2. Ryan Rickelton – The left-hander was South Africa’s one of the impressive batters this cycle with 451runs in six games at an average of 56.37.
3. Tristan Stubbs – A promising middle-order batter who earned his spot with domestic form and solid temperament under pressure.
4. Temba Bavuma (c) – The captain played the anchor role with 609runs, including a fifty and four tons in the cycle.
5. David Bedingham – Known for his grit, Bedingham brings a wealth of county experience.
6. Kyle Verreynne (wk) – Averaging 37.53 with the bat, his glove work and batting balance the XI perfectly.
7. Wiaan Mulder – A handy all-rounder who offers depth in both departments, crucial for English conditions.
8. Marco Jansen – The left-arm seamer has picked up 29wickets in the cycle and is useful with the bat down the order.
9. Kagiso Rabada – South Africa’s pace spearhead, with 47wickets in the WTC cycle, will be key on the Lord’s surface.
10. Keshav Maharaj – The experienced left-arm spinner provides control and variation, especially on Day 4 and 5. He has bagged 40 wickets in eight games in WTC 2023-25 cycle.
11. Dane Paterson – A reliable workhorse, his seam movement and discipline make him ideal for English conditions.

Will South Africa win their maiden WTC title? 

South Africa’s biggest weapon remains their fast-bowling unit. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson form a formidable trio capable of exploiting English conditions to full effect. 

In the batting department, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma have been consistent at the top, while David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne add resilience in the middle. 

One concern is the lack of experience in ICC tournament finals. While Australia have already lifted the WTC title once (in 2023), this is South Africa’s first appearance in a WTC final. Mental toughness under pressure will be key, especially if the match goes into Day 4 or 5. 

Also, their batting has occasionally collapsed under pressure in the past. The middle order must step up against an Australian bowling attack that thrives in English conditions. 

However, South Africa have the firepower to win this time. If their pacers fire and the top order absorbs early pressure, they absolutely can lift their maiden WTC title.  

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