In the second innings of the (WTC) 2025 final between Australia and South Africa, the latter’s pacer Lungi Ngidi looked at his best.
Following the onslaught launched by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, Ngidi stepped up and picked up dangerous Steve Smith, who was the highest run-scorer in the first innings. After the early departure of top-order batters Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, Smith, along with Marnus Labuschagne, was looking to stabilise the Aussie innings, but Marco Jansen got the better of Marnus for the second time in the game and shattered ‘s top order.
In the next over, Ngidi also exuded confidence and trapped Smith through a leg-before-wicket (LBW) dismissal. Following the veteran’s fall, Ngidi and his teammates celebrated as the Proteas knew what the 36-year-old is capable of in crunch situations. The right-handed batter was bound to walk back to the dugout after scoring only 13 off 25.
Following the day’s play, when Ngidi appeared in a chat with ICC Digital, he acknowledged that Smith’s wicket was the biggest he’s ever picked. He also added that he felt relieved after bagging Smith’s wicket as the Protea quick wasn’t upto the mark in the first innings. ‘I think because of the stage that we’re playing on, that’s probably the best wicket I could’ve gotten. Having struggled a bit in the first innings and then to be able to get that wicket, at that stage, it probably ranks very high up there for me. I can’t put into words how I felt about taking that wicket. Such a relief,’ said Nigidi.
Lungi Ngidi played a vital role in folding Australia on a low score
After removing Smith from the crease, Ngidi’s looked emboldened as he went on to get rid of Beau Webster and Pat Cummins as well. The right-handed speedster ended his spell with 3/38 figures in the second innings. Earlier, the 29-year-old went wicketless in the first innings after bowling eight overs.
Following the decent bowling performance in the second innings, are now tasked to chase 282 runs to win the WTC 2025 final. The Proteas will look to be at their best with their bats to douse the thirst of winning their first ICC title after 27 years.Rounak Tewari