Watch: Marnus Labuschagne takes a stunner to dismiss Temba Bavuma

Temba Bavuma came out to bat with positive intent on day 2 of the World Test Championship Final against Australia on Thursday. The ball wasn’t swinging as much as it was yesterday and the South African skipper made good use of the conditions along with David Bedingham. Every time there was width on offer, Bavuma pounced on that. He set the tone with a flurry of boundaries on the off side. 

Unlike yesterday, he showed great intent, scoring four fours and a six en route to his 36-run knock in 84 balls. Bedingham gave him great support as the duo led South Africa’s fightback with a 50-run stand. However, that partnership was broken against the run of play, thanks to a stunning catch from Marnus Labuschagne. 

Pat Cummins bowled a fuller length delivery outside the off-stump and there was enough room for Bavuma to play the drive. The skipper couldn’t keep it down and Marnus Labuschagne, who was stationed at cover, dived to his right to take a superb catch. Just when the momentum was tilting back in the favour of South Africa, Bavuma threw his wicket away. 

Here’s a look at the video clip of that delivery: 

A stunning catch from Marnus Labuschagne to remove Temba Bavuma in the #WTC25 Final 😲

Watch 👉 https://t.co/BZICeC71OJ pic.twitter.com/o4wX3ELWFg

— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2025

South Africa haven't lost another wicket since Bavuma's departure. David Bedingham continues to look solid at the crease, staying unbeaten on 39 off 95 balls. He has put on another decent partnership with Kyle Verreynne, who has scored 11 off 30 deliveries. At the end of Lunch on day 2, South Africa lost five wickets for 121 runs, trailing by 91 runs.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 212 runs in the first innings, courtesy of a sensational bowling performance from Kagiso Rabada. The South African fast bowler claimed a five-for in the WTC final, while Marco Jansen returned with three scalps. 

Five-wicket haul in his first World Test Championship Final 🔥

Watch his incredible spell ➡️ https://t.co/ohqHuu1iQU pic.twitter.com/Lph78tTsYq

— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2025

The Aussies had lost four wickets for just 67 on the board. Steven Smith (66) and Webster (72) then put on a valiant partnership to avoid a collapse. Australia, however, lost their last five wickets for just 22 runs as South Africa took little time to finish off their tail.