As followers gear up for a protracted Check season, the much-awaited World Check Championship (WTC) Closing 2025 is simply across the nook. Two of the world’s prime sides, Australia and South Africa, are set to lock horns from June 11 on the iconic Lord’s Cricket Floor.
Each side are stacked with power-packed gamers able to difficult any crew on this planet. Australia, on one hand, had an excellent WTC cycle, drawing the Ashes in England and defeating India within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Because the defending champions, they are going to be filled with confidence as they intention to retain their title.
In the meantime, South Africa, making their first-ever look in a WTC ultimate, will probably be keen to finish their streak of heartbreaks in current ICC tournaments. With a balanced squad and a renewed focus, the Proteas will look to make historical past and convey house their maiden WTC title.
Usman Khawaja: Expertise and class for Australia
The Australian prime order batter Usman Khawaja has been the main run scorer for the facet on this WTC cycle. The 38-year-old is broadly admired for his calm temperament and classical method, which make him a reliable presence on the prime of the order. His potential to soak up strain and play lengthy innings has typically steadied Australia throughout powerful conditions. A fluent timer of the ball, Khawaja prefers to grind down bowlers with stable protection and stylish stroke play.
Khawaja has been a significant cog in Australia’s Check setup between 2023 and 2025. Over this era, the trendy left-hander featured in 19 matches, batting in 37 innings and remaining not out on 3 events. He amassed 1,422 runs at a mean of 41.82, together with two centuries and 6 fifties. His highest rating throughout this span was an impressive 232 in opposition to Sri Lanka in Galle. He has additionally received an honest document on the English soil the place he averages over 30 with extra then 700 runs to his identify.
| Usman Khawaja | Total | In England | At Lord’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Performed | 80 | 12 | 3 |
| Runs Scored | 5930 | 745 | 200 |
| Common | 45.27 | 31.04 | 33.3 |
| Centuries | 16 | 1 | 0 |
| Half Centuries | 27 | 4 | 2 |
| Highest Rating | 232 | 141 | 77 |
Additionally READ: Scott Boland vs Josh Hazlewood in England: Who has the sting forward of the WTC 2025 Closing?
Temba Bavuma: A gentle chief and key batting anchor for South Africa
Temba Bavuma, the South African skipper and one of the vital reliable batters within the squad, brings composure and sophistication to the crease. Famend for his crisp timing and calm temperament beneath strain, Bavuma has typically been the anchor for South Africa in difficult conditions. As he leads the Proteas into their maiden WTC Closing, the concentration is going to firmly be on him to ship with the bat and encourage his crew to interrupt their long-standing ICC title drought.
Bavuma has been considered one of South Africa’s most constant performers within the WTC cycle 2023–2025. In simply 7 matches, he has featured in 11 innings and amassed 609 runs at a outstanding common of 60.90. This consistency on the prime order displays his potential to anchor the innings and ship beneath strain.
| Temba Bavuma | Total | In England | At Lord’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Performed | 63 | 4 | 1 |
| Runs Scored | 3606 | 257 | 80 |
| Common | 37.96 | 32.12 | 40.00 |
| Centuries | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries | 24 | 2 | 1 |
| Highest Rating | 172 | 59 | 59 |
Higher probability to carry out within the WTC 2025 ultimate
Given the statistics and previous performances, each openers stand neck and neck when it comes to impression and consistency. Khawaja, regardless of a number of fluctuations in type through the WTC cycle, has maintained a powerful total document. His performances on English soil have been stable, highlighted by a precious century. Notably, his three appearances at Lord’s have yielded encouraging outcomes, demonstrating his potential to ship for Australia on cricket’s grandest levels.
Bavuma has been instrumental for the Proteas within the longer format, typically guiding his crew out of difficult conditions with calm and composed batting. His numbers in England are respectable, offering a promising basis for South Africa. Nevertheless, with restricted expertise on the iconic Lord’s floor, Bavuma faces a recent problem that might take a look at his adaptability and temperament.
Additionally READ: South Africa or Australia? Matthew Hayden reveals his choose for WTC 2025 ultimate winner