Day 2 of the WTC Final 2025 match between Australia and South Africa proved to be yet another nerve-wracking day of Test cricket, with 14 wickets lost again. Australia began in style, courtesy Pat Cummins, who dismissed 4 wickets post-lunch and bowled South Africa out for a mere 138, putting his side 74 runs ahead. He disrupted the crucial Bavuma-Bedingham partnership during the day's early hours and continued his run. South Africa came back fiercely. Despite the initiation by Australia at 28/0, Rabada removed Khawaja and Green in one over. Ngidi, who had a disastrous first innings, recovered with wickets of Smith, Webster, and Cummins at important times. Australia lost their way at 73/7. Carey and Starc came together to score a vital 61-run partnership, taking the match to day's end and beyond the overall lead of 200, making the match closely poised going into Day 3. Also Read | 3 Players Who Can Replace Usman Khawaja in Tests Australia Fight Back After Sudden Collapse Australia constructed a strong lead against South Africa in the WTC Final after a poor beginning in their second innings. In one moment, South African bowlers created problems for Australia as they were struggling at 73 for 7 with wickets tumbling in rapid succession. But thanks to a much-needed eighth-wicket partnership between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, Australia recovered. The duo contributed 61 crucial runs for the eighth wicket, providing the Aussies with a huge lift. Carey contributed a vital knock, having made 43 runs from 50 deliveries before being bowled by Kagiso Rabada. Courtesy of this comeback, Australia reached 144 for 8 and took their overall lead to 218 runs at the time of writing. A couple of additional runs from the tail might leave them in an even stronger position to hold onto their Test Championship title.