AB de Villiers backs South Africa to upset Australia in WTC Final at Lord’s

AB de Villiers backs South Africa to beat Australia in the WTC Final at Lord’s, calling it a "massive moment." Meanwhile, Aaron Finch highlights Australia's preparedness and singles out Travis Head as the danger man ahead of the June 11 clash.

Hyderabad: South African great AB de Villiers said the ICC World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia to be played at Lord’s from June 11 to 15 would be a massive moment for South African cricket.

“The entire nation will be behind our team, and hopefully, we can cross the line. South Africa is a well-balanced one and root for them to pull off an upset over Australia,” de Villiers said in conversation with StarSports.

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““I’m excited for the challenge. It’s a well-balanced side, and I’m quietly confident we can upset Australia—I say ‘upset’ because they’re clearly the favourites for this WTC final,” he said.

Australia as a very experienced and well-oiled machine of a team and felt it would not be easy for South Africa to overcome them. But I’m quietly confident because we’re going there with many in-form players
and big-hearted guys who have something to prove on this stage,” de Villiers said.

“For many of these players, it’ll be their first match at Lord’s—hopefully, they’ll settle quickly. But I’m really looking forward to this contest. It’s going to be fantastic cricket—after all, it’s a final, and both teams have earned their place here,” said de Villiers, one of the most explosive stroke-makers the game has ever seen.

For his part, former Australian captain Aaron Finch said that Travis Head had proven in multiple finals now—the World Test Championship Final and the 50-over World Cup Final—that he could rip the game away from the opposition in an instant. “As an opponent, these are the players you fear most. He can change a match faster than anyone,” he said.

“I believe the Australian batting line-up will be extremely well-prepared. With several players not involved in the IPL, they’ve had the opportunity to focus specifically on their Test preparations,”
Finch said.

“Consider Steve Smith entering the WTC final fresh, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green already acclimatised by playing cricket in England. Many of these players will arrive eager and ready to perform at their best,” the former Australian cricketer said.

“Certainly, there’s a challenge with teams lacking extensive Test cricket preparation. But overall, both squads—particularly their bowling attacks—are highly experienced. In many ways, coming in fresh
could benefit both sides. Ultimately, it may come down to which team settles quicker in the Test match,” Finch said.

“The opening day will likely set the tone for the entire match. Performing in one-off games requires special qualities—and Australia have consistently shown their ability to peak at crucial moments in
tournaments. Though this is different—a single Test match—their experience from winning the last World Test Championship Final gives them an edge. It should make for a fantastic contest,” the Aussie
said.