Watch: Wiaan Mulder nearly suffers FREAK injury during WTC Final 2025

South Africa will have a challenging task in the fourth innings of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Friday, June 13. South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder narrowly avoided a serious injury during Australia’s second innings.

At the close of Day 2, Australia were struggling at 144 for 8. Kagiso Rabada made an early breakthrough on Day 3 by removing Nathan Lyon. However, the South Africa bowlers struggled to wrap up the innings. Mitchell Starc faced over 100 balls, while Josh Hazlewood provided support at the other end.

Watch: Wiaan Mulder Narrowly Avoids Freak Injury During WTC Final

The incident happened on the third ball of the 46th over of Australia's second innings when Wiaan Mulder nearly suffered a freak injury. Josh Hazlewood pushed the ball from the crease, with it trickling toward point after taking the lower part of his bat.

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Wiaan Mulder charged into the field and attempted a quick throw but slipped awkwardly during the effort. His throw missed the target by a wide margin, but he escaped without any injury.

Official broadcaster Star Sports took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the clip with the caption, "Grass be like – 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 😎 #Mulder was all set to wrap up #Australia's innings, then the grass pulled a classic slip move!"

Watch the video of the same posted by Star Sports on X below:

Grass be like - 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 🤪#Mulder was all set to wrap up #Australia's innings, then the grass pulled a classic slip move! 😅

LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/PT5JiWpOzV#WTCFinal | #SAvAUS | Day 3, LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/rP8HtBuoUO

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 13, 2025

Australia Set 282-Run Target for South Africa in WTC Final

Australia set a target of 282 runs to win the title after a crucial 59-run ninth-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The partnership rescued Australia from a precarious 148/9, helping them reach 207 in their second innings. Notably, Australia had secured a 74-run lead in the first innings.

The chase will be a tough task for South Africa, as targets above 200 have been successfully chased only four times in the history of Test cricket at Lord’s. The highest came in 1984 when the West Indies chased 342 against England.

England’s 282-run chase against New Zealand in 2004 ranks second. They also chased down 277 in 2022 and 216 in 1965, both against New Zealand. Significantly, only one 200-plus run chase has been achieved at the venue since 2005.

Kagiso Rabada Takes Five-Wicket Haul in Australia’s First Innings on Day 1

South Africa elected to bowl first under overcast skies and made an immediate impact. Kagiso Rabada secured five wickets to dismiss Australia for 212 in under 60 overs. Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) were the only Australian batters to make significant contributions.

Australia responded by reducing South Africa to 43/4 at stumps on Day 1. The Men in Yellow struck early in the first session of the second day, but it wasn’t until after lunch that they took control.

South Africa reached 121/5 by the break but collapsed soon after, losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs. Pat Cummins led the charge with a six-wicket haul. Australia, the reigning WTC champions, are aiming to defend their title after their 2023 triumph over India at The Oval.

Also read: Pakistan set to name Azhar Mahmood as new red-ball coach