South Africa's quest for first ICC Trophy in 27 years  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Temba Bavuma has odds of 4.50 to be South Africa's best batsman 
• Steve Smith has odds of 3.95 to be Australia's best batsman 
• Kagiso Rabada has odds of 2.72 to be South Africa's best bowler 
• Mitchell Starc has odds of 3.05 to be Australia's best bowler 

MATCH PREVIEW     

It is the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, and South Africa will be eying its first ICC Trophy in three decades as they take on Australia. The two teams finished 1 and 2 on the points table in the last cycle and will leave no stone unturned to press for a win. The South Africans will feel nervous due to their poor record in crunch games at ICC events. The odds aren’t in their favor, although the team showed great consistency during the last cycle. The Australians won the title in the last cycle, defeating the Indians in the final. They have a strong pace attack, adding to their advantage. The stakes are high for both teams in this game, and we expect to see a close contest.  

South Africa Preview     

Temba Bavuma and his men have worked hard to finish at the top of the ICC World Test Championship points table. They are on the cups of history to win their first ICC Trophy in 27 years. The team has always carried the "chokers" tag and has had little to celebrate except the ICC Knockout Trophy in 1998. Their poor record in high-stakes games means the team will start behind on cricket betting sites. Bavuma would look to break the three-decade wait with a strong show in this game.  

Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton have enjoyed success in the last 12 months, and the team expects the pair to deliver a steady start. Temba Bavuma must anchor the innings in the middle order and add runs with Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs. The South Africans must leverage their depth in the batting lineup and expect runs from David Bedingham, Kyle Verreyne, and Marco Jansen.  

Kagiso Rabada is the spearhead of this bowling attack, and he must strike early in the game with Marco Jansen. Lungi Ngidi must use the conditions to his advantage and bowl tight spells with Wiaan Mulder to keep up the pressure on the strong batting lineup that the Australians have. Keshav Maharaj must use the old ball well, as this Aussie batting lineup has a few weaknesses against spin bowling.  

Expected Starting XI for South Africa     

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreyne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi 

Australia Preview      

The defending champions will be confident heading into this game. Pat Cummins and his men know how to bring out the best when it matters, and the side will look to add another title to the team’s large trophy cabinet. They have done well this year, first against India and then against the Sri Lankans. Cricket betting apps consider them favorites to win the title, and Cummins would like a strong show from his players.  

Marnus Labuschagne is likely to open the batting for the first time in his career, and he will look to deliver a good start along with Usman Khawaja. Cameron Green must do well at No. 3 in his new role. He shall look to build partnerships with star batters Steve Smith and Travis Head. Beau Webster, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins add depth to the batting lineup, making it formidable.  

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are the best new-ball pair in the world, and they look to strike early and put the team in a commanding position. Josh Hazlewood’s return to the squad strengthens the bowling attack, and he will look to do well with spin ace Nathan Lyon. Webster and Labuschagne add variety to the attack and look to do well in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Pat Cummins (c), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Cameron Green, Beau Webster 

TOSS: To Bowl First      

The side bowling first always has an advantage at Lord's. Batting here on the first day is never easy, as the conditions are conducive for the fast bowlers. The captains shall have no hesitation at the toss, and the side winning the spin of the coin shouldn't hesitate to bowl first in the game.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The weather will remain cloudy starting June 11, which will be welcome news for the fast bowlers. The pitch will initially assist the fast bowlers, and it would be an easy wicket to bat on from Day 2 onward. The side batting first would be happy to have 350-400 runs on the board.  

OUR PREDICTION      

The South Africans have shown great consistency in this format in the last two years. Their batsmen have made runs, and the fast-bowling attack has delivered the goods. They lost the last series against Australia 2-0. The side will look to overcome the “chokers” tag with a strong show in the game. Australians have a lethal fast-bowling attack and a strong batting lineup. They have done well in the ICC finals and shall start ahead according to our cricket betting tips.  

Our prediction is for Australia to win