WTC 2025 final: AB de Villiers feels SA lacks this factor ahead of Lord's encounter against Australia

AB de Villiers (Pic: File Pic)

Ahead of the WTC 2025 final, former Proteas cricketer AB de Villiers warned Australia not to take South Africa lightly, even if the team lacks experience.

"Yeah. I think that to all of our surprise, the Proteas have managed to qualify for the final. I say surprise because I feel there are more experienced, more well-oiled teams out there like Australia. It is the teams that have the most experience with regards to the five-day test match format that come out on top consistently. Where I feel the Proteas are lacking a little bit in that area, they have found a way to create something incredibly special within that team. With a lot of youngsters, a lot of inexperienced players, they have managed to gel together and find a culture," said de Villiers in a video posted by ICC.

South Africa will clash against Australia in the WTC 2025 final, set to be played at Lord's from June 11 onwards.

Further speaking, de Villiers feels senior players like Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen lead the side with a lot of experience.

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"I think there are a few nice leaders as well, such as Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma. Even Marco Jansen can consider himself a senior player. They just seem to lead with a lot of inspiration which I really enjoy. If there is one thing that you should not be doing against a South African team, it is to underestimate them and to put their backs up against the wall, because that is when you see the best of them very resilient unit, and I believe they will be resilient at Lord's," he added.

To his own team, de Villiers suggested that whenever they get an opportunity to dominate and create some momentum, they should make it count.

"I have always found the best way to play against them is to fight fire with fire. It does not necessarily mean it is going to work for everyone. Individually, I felt that that is the best way to approach it," he added.

In their journey to seal the WTC 2025 final, South Africa secured eight wins and suffered three losses with one draw. Ahead of the final, the Temba Bavuma-led side will aim to clinch their first-ever WTC title.

The Proteas' squad has received a major boost after the inclusion of Lungi Ngidi. Earlier, the pacer missed out on the home matches due to a groin injury.

South Africa squad for WTC final 2025: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.

(With ANI Inputs)