Lungi Ngidi believes South Africa are “in a very good position” despite trailing Australia by 218 runs at the end of Day 2 of the low-scoring World Test Championship final at Lord’s. With Australia stumbling to 144 for 8 in their second innings, the Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is confident his side can wrap up the tail early on Day 3 and set themselves up for a title-winning chase.
Lungi Ngidi faced a lot of criticism for his ordinary bowling performance in the first innings of the WTC 2025 final currently underway between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s, but on Thursday (June 12), during the second day’s play of the one-off match, he turned his doubters into believers by producing a super show with the ball. The 29-year-old fast bowler Lungi Ngidi from Durban picked up three wickets for 35 runs in nine overs for the Temba Bavuma-led side and helped them reduce the Aussies to 144 for 8 in the 2nd innings.
Lungi Ngidi’s superb spell puts Australia on backfoot in WTC finals 2023-25
After Australia posted 212 in the first innings, their bowlers, led by Cummins, took control. South Africa were bowled out for 138 despite a promising 64-run partnership between Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, who top-scored with 45. Cummins delivered a devastating spell after lunch, finishing with 6 for 28-his best Test figures as captain and the best by any captain at Lord’s. He also claimed his 300th Test wicket during the innings.
In response, South Africa’s seamers hit back hard. Rabada struck twice before tea, removing Khawaja and Green. After the break, Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder joined in, dismantling the middle order to reduce Australia to 73 for 7. Only a spirited 43 from Alex Carey and a 61-run stand with Mitchell Starc steadied the innings, pushing the lead past 200. Rabada eventually trapped Carey lbw late in the day.
Lungi Ngidi opened his wicket account by trapping Steve Smith (13) in front of the wickets on the fifth ball of the 19th over and then removed Beau Webster (9). Like Smith, Webster was also adjudged LBW out. On the fifth ball of his next over, Lungi Ngidi picked his third wicket in the form of Pat Cummins, who was clean bowled for six runs from five balls.
After impressing with his performances in the second innings, Lungi Ngidi said that his team is hopeful about winning the WTC 2025 final and the Proteas want to give themselves the best chance.
Lungi Ngidi remains confident after Australia extend lead over 200 on Day 2
Lungi Ngidi, who had a rough time in the first innings, bounced back strongly in the second, clinching three wickets so far. After the end of the day’s play, the pacer spoke with the broadcasters, where he sounded optimistic, stating that South Africa are still in the game and wanted to do everything with conviction.Speaking after stumps, Lungi Ngidi was upbeat about South Africa’s performance
“We’re still very much in the game. They bowled well, but we had a job to do and we stuck to it,” he said.
“The coach reminded us to play with conviction-if you’re going to go out, go out on your own terms. You could be the one to turn the match.”
Lungi Ngidi, who took three key wickets—including Steve Smith and Pat Cummins—admitted to struggling for rhythm early in the match but said he found his groove after tea on the second day.
“In the first innings, there was no rhythm—it felt like I was fighting myself. After tea, I told myself to settle into a spell. Once it started clicking, I just kept going,” he explained.
“It was pretty exciting; I could hear my name in one of the corners. That’s what actually gives you energy when you are bowling such a long spell—the crowd gets behind you and you keep going.”
Lungi Ngidi was confident that South Africa’s bowlers could finish the job early on the third day, removing the final two Australian wickets and keeping the target below 230.
“We are in a good position now; two balls can wrap it (Aus innings) up, and we are focusing on that. If we are chasing anything under 230… It won’t be easy with the bowling line-up they have, but we want to give ourselves the best chance.”
Only nine Tests in England have seen the side batting fourth post the highest total, with just three resulting in victory-the most recent being England’s dramatic chase at Headingley in 2019. At Lord’s, targets over 200 have been successfully chased just four times, and only once since 2005. The final has turned its heads on Day 2 but only time will tell who will have the hands on the elusive mace.. Australia or South Africa.
Also Read: ICC WTC 2023-25: “We Are Playing For A Trophy”- Mark Boucher’s Direct Jibe Ahead Of Final