WTC 2025 final: Temba Bavuma to lead South Africa against Australia, Kwena Maphaka sidelined

Temba Bavuma (Pic: File Pic)

Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in the WTC 2025 final against Australia, scheduled to be played at Lord's on June 11, as the 'Rainbow Nation' announced their squad on Tuesday.

South Africa will get a major boost ahead of the Lord's clash after the inclusion of pacer Lungi Ngidi, who was out of action due to a groin injury. Having recovered from his injury, the pacer has made appearances for South Africa in white-ball cricket and has also featured in T20 leagues.

South Africa came victorious in eight out of its 12 matches, which in return helped them seal their spot in the finals.

With Bavuma leading the South African side in their first-ever WTC final, their batting lineup consists of Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram.

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Youngsters Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham have also made the cut for the final of the marquee event.

Kyle Verreynne will be an electric presence behind the stumps and lower down the order, and all-rounders Wiaam Mulder and Marco Jansen can also contribute with the bat.

Mulder and Jansen will be joined by ace pacer Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch to frame up the fast-bowling lineup. Tweaker Keshav Maharaj will be the face of the spin resources alongside Senuran Muthusamy.

Kwena Maphaka and Matthew Breetzke have been sidelined from SA's 16-member squad.

South Africa finished at the top of the league stage with a points percentage of 69.44. They dominated at home, securing series wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka while drawing against India.

Their away form was equally impressive, with victories over the West Indies and Bangladesh. Their only setback came in New Zealand, where they were missing a host of their first-choice stars.

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)