AB de Villiers sensationally claims South Africa will 'Upset' Australia in WTC final

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has opened up about the Temba Bavuma-led team's chances in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia. De Villiers called it a huge moment for South African cricket, adding that the team could upset the Australian side in the final clash.

South Africa are set to play their first-ever WTC final after finishing at the top of the 2023-25 cycle. The Proteas secured eight wins and suffered three defeats in 11 matches. They recorded series victories over Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, while they shared the points against India.

Huge Moment for South African Cricket - AB de Villiers

In a video by Star Sports on X, AB de Villiers expressed his support for South Africa ahead of the WTC final, which is set to take place at Lord's from June 11. De Villiers said the entire nation would be rallying behind the team and hoped they could secure a memorable win.

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"It is a huge, huge moment for South African cricket. It is a final, and it's being played at Lord's. So the whole country will be behind our team, and hopefully, we'll pull it through. I'm looking forward to the challenge," AB de Villiers said.

AB de Villiers has spoken and he's backing South Africa to pull off an upset in the #WTCFinal against the mighty Australia! 🔥

Who’s your pick to win?#WTCFinal #SAvAUS 👉 | WED, 11th June, 2 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/5AevqvY7GQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 6, 2025

However, South Africa will face a tough task as they take on defending champions Australia. The Aussies secured 13 wins out of 19 Tests in the 2023–25 cycle. Australia will be high on confidence, having convincingly beaten India by 209 runs in the previous WTC final.

I Feel Australia Are Favourites for the WTC Final - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers said that Australia are the favourites due to their experience. However, he expressed confidence in South Africa’s chances, noting the players’ eagerness to prove themselves on the big stage. De Villiers was excited for a great contest between two deserving finalists.

"It's a well-balanced team, and I'm quietly confident in the ability to upset Australia. I use the word "upset" because I feel Australia are favourites for the WTC final. Very experienced, well-oiled machine of a team, so it will not be easy for South Africa," the former cricketer said.

"But I am quietly confident because we go there with quite a lot of players in form — a lot of players with big hearts who have something to prove on the big stage. For a lot of these players, it'll be the first match at Lord's, and hopefully, they will settle in. But I'm looking forward to the contest. I think it's going to be fantastic. It is a final, after all, and both teams deserve to be there," he concluded.

South Africa to Make Their Debut in the WTC Final

The World Test Championship has added much-needed significance and excitement to bilateral Test series worldwide. India and New Zealand finished as the top two teams and qualified for the final.

In that final, India were beaten by New Zealand, who secured an eight-wicket victory at Southampton. The Men in Blue returned to the final in the following 2021-23 cycle.

However, in the 2021-23 final, Australia dominated India, winning by a convincing 209 runs at the Oval. This triumph marked Australia’s first ICC trophy in the Test Championship format.

South Africa will be making their first appearance in the WTC final, while Australia aims to become the first team to claim the World Test Championship trophy twice.

Also read: Ex-India head coach exposes dark reason behind Virat Kohli’s Test retirement