NEW DELHI: The stage is set for the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final as Australia take on South Africa at the iconic Lord’s from June 11–15. While all eyes are on the cricketing contest between two top-class teams, questions have arisen around the possible outcomes — particularly in the event of a draw or rain-affected Test.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
WTC Final : What happens if the match ends in a draw?
If the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa ends in a draw or tie, the World Test Championship mace will be shared between the two finalists. This has been a standard regulation for the one-off WTC final since its inception in 2021.There is no additional tiebreaker like a Super Over in Test cricket. Unlike bilateral Test series, where a draw simply concludes the contest with no winner, this being a championship final means both teams will be crowned joint winners if no result is possible.
WTC Final: Is there a reserve day?
Yes. The ICC has allocated June 16 as a reserve day, which will be used only if net playing time lost during the scheduled five days is not recovered via extended sessions. The sixth day can add up to a maximum of 90 overs if required.If the five scheduled days allow full innings and time for results — even with weather interruptions — and still end in a draw or tie, the reserve day won’t be activated.Who’s that IPL player?The Stakes: WTC25 Final Prize MoneyAlongside the prestigious mace, there is plenty of financial incentive. The ICC has significantly raised the prize money for the 2023–25 WTC cycle.
- Winners: USD $3.6 million
- Runners-up: USD $2.16 million
This increase reflects the growing stature of the Test format’s showpiece event, with both Australia and South Africa eager to add not just silverware, but also a record paycheck.A Tale of Two LegaciesAustralia, the defending champions, led by Pat Cummins, are eyeing a repeat after their dominant win over India in the 2023 final. Their squad, brimming with experience, includes star names like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne.In contrast, South Africa are chasing history. Temba Bavuma’s men are looking to end a 27-year ICC trophy drought. Since winning the 1998 ICC KnockOut, South Africa have consistently faltered in knockout stages, earning the tag of “chokers.” This final offers them a shot at redemption and a fresh legacy.Playing XIsSouth Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi NgidiAustralia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
