South Africa`s Lungi Ngidi picks WTC final scalp as his career-best wicket

The World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s has been nothing short of a dramatic contest, filled with momentum shifts and standout performances from both South Africa and Australia. Among the many turning points on Day 3, one of the most significant was Lungi Ngidi’s prized wicket of Australian veteran Steve Smith.

Ngidi, known for his ability to strike in crucial moments, delivered a well-directed ball that trapped Smith plumb in front. The former Australian skipper, who had played a composed knock of 66 in the first innings, was dismissed for just 13 in the second innings. His brief stay at the crease lasted 25 deliveries and included a solitary boundary. The delivery proved too deceptive for Smith, who misjudged the line and length, resulting in a clean leg-before dismissal.

Speaking after the day’s play, Ngidi revealed that dismissing a player of Smith’s calibre in a match of this magnitude was deeply satisfying. “I think because of the stage that we’re playing on, that’s probably the best wicket I could’ve gotten,” he said.

Ngidi further admitted that he was overwhelmed by the experience and found it difficult to fully express the emotions he felt after sending back one of the modern game’s greatest Test batters.

“Having struggled a bit in the first innings and then to be able to get that wicket, at that stage, it probably ranks very high up there for me. I can’t put into words how I felt about taking that wicket. Such a relief,” he added.

Australia`s second innings were wrapped up for 207 runs. After going wicketless in the first innings, the 29-year-old Ngidi bagged three wickets by conceding 38 runs in 13 overs. Shouldering him was Kagiso Rabada, who claimed four wickets for 59 runs in 18 overs. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram registered one wicket each to their names.

None of the Australian batsmen were able to score big runs, except for Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc. Facing 50 balls, Carey scored 43 runs, including five boundaries. On the other hand, lead pacer Starc stayed unbeaten on 58 runs. His unbeaten knock came in 136 balls and was laced with five boundaries.

Opening the innings, Marnus Labuschagne scored 22 runs off 64 balls. During his knock, the right-hander smashed two boundaries. Later, Josh Hazlewood faced 53 balls, in which he smashed 17 runs, including two boundaries.

South Africa now need to chase a target of 282 runs to clinch their first-ever historic WTC title.

(With ICC Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day