Predicting the top 3 highest run-scorers in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final ft. Temba Bavuma 

The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, as the iconic Lord’s Stadium in England prepares to host the highly anticipated clash between South Africa and Australia, starting Wednesday, June 11.

South Africa topped the 2023–25 WTC standings with eight wins from 12 matches, finishing with a points percentage of 69.44. Australia followed in second place, registering 13 victories in 19 matches and ending with a points percentage of 67.54.

Ahead of the high-stakes clash, both teams announced their playing XIs a day earlier, on Tuesday, June 10. Here's a look at the lineups:

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

With the lineups confirmed and the game just a few hours away, this article highlights three players who could emerge as the top run-scorers in the WTC 2025 final.

---

Predicting the top 3 highest run-scorers in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

#1 Travis Head

When it comes to high-pressure finals, few players have the impact Travis Head brings to the table. The Australian southpaw has established himself as a reliable game-changer across formats, known for his ability to shift momentum swiftly with the bat.

Head was instrumental in Australia’s victory in the 2023 World Test Championship final against India, where he delivered a stunning 163-run knock in the first innings. His contribution played a defining role in Australia’s 209-run win at The Oval. Heading into the 2025 final, he boasts a strong Test record — 3,719 runs in 56 matches at an average of 42.72, including nine centuries and 18 fifties.

What makes Head particularly dangerous is his versatility — the ability to construct patient innings or launch a counter-attack depending on the match situation. Against South Africa, he has enjoyed notable success, having scored 213 runs in three Tests at an average of 53.25, with three half-centuries.

Given his big-game pedigree, current form, and proven success against the Proteas, Travis Head is expected to be one of the standout performers with the bat in the WTC 2025 final.

---

#2 Temba Bavuma

Another key player to watch is South African skipper Temba Bavuma. The 35-year-old has been in excellent form throughout the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle, scoring 609 runs in seven matches (11 innings) at a stellar average of 60.90. His tally includes four half-centuries and two centuries.

While not the most flamboyant batter in South Africa’s lineup, Bavuma’s ability to absorb pressure, grind out tough runs, and anchor the innings makes him an invaluable asset. Over his Test career, he has featured in 63 matches, amassing 3,606 runs at an average of 37.95, including 24 fifties and four hundreds.

He also boasts a solid record against Australia, having scored 483 runs in eight Tests at an average of 40.25, with four half-centuries. With form, experience, and leadership all aligning, Bavuma could well prove to be a decisive factor in South Africa’s bid for the WTC title.

---

#3 Aiden Markram

The final name on this list is that of South Africa’s seasoned opener, Aiden Markram. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion and play impactful knocks, the 30-year-old brings valuable experience with 45 Tests under his belt. So far, he has scored 2,857 runs at an average of 35.71, including 13 half-centuries and seven centuries.

Markram also enjoys an excellent record against Australia. In four Tests against them, he has accumulated 480 runs at an impressive average of 60, which includes two centuries and a fifty.

With Australia fielding a world-class bowling attack, much will depend on Markram to provide South Africa with a solid start. Given his experience and knack for delivering under pressure, he could very well finish as one of the top run-scorers in the WTC 2025 final.