Pat Cummins breaches Wiaan Mulder's defense to send him packing for 6 in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final [Watch]

Australian skipper Pat Cummins breached South African batter Wiaan Mulder's defense to send him packing for just six runs on Day 1 of the 2025 WTC final. The game is being played at the iconic Lord's cricket stadium.

On the second delivery of the 16th over, Pat Cummins bowled an exceptional ball that went straight through the gates. It was a fuller delivery at a good pace, which was on the stumps and nipped back in as well, crashing onto the middle stump.

Wiaan Mulder was struggling at the crease, having made just six runs off 44 balls before he was sent back to the hut. South Africa promoted Wiaan Mulder to number three, but the experiment clearly failed.

Cummins now has 74 wickets in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle and is only four wickets away from surpassing Jasprit Bumrah, who has the most with 77 scalps.

Watch the dismissal below -

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Australia fight back on Day 1 of 2025 WTC final to keep the game in balance

As far as the opening day of the 2025 WTC final is concerned, it was nothing short of thrilling, to say the least. Bowling first after winning the toss, South Africa were all over the Australian batters, bundling the opposition out for just 212 runs in the first innings.

The Proteas pacers were on target right from the word go. Kagiso Rabada picked up five wickets, returning with figures of 5/51 from 15.4 overs. He was well supported by Marco Jansen, who also bagged three wickets. Beau Webster top-scored for Australia with 72 while Steve Smith played a fighting knock of 66.

It appeared as though South Africa held the upper hand after the first innings. However, Australia displayed their champion mindset once again by fighting back to keep the game in the balance. By stumps on Day 1, Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4, leaving them trailing by 169 runs with just six more wickets remaining. Mitchell Starc bagged a couple while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins took one apiece.

The Proteas will now face a stiff challenge as they come back to bat, while Australia will aim to pick the remaining wickets as soon as possible. It is anticipated to be an exciting second day's play on the cards.