"I'm quietly confident" - AB de Villiers' massive claim ahead of AUS vs SA WTC 2025 Final
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has backed his team to beat defending champions Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, to be played at Lord’s in London from June 11 onwards. The cricketer-turned-YouTuber called it a “massive moment” as the Proteas have reached their maiden final in the third edition of the ICC tournament. The legendary batter believes the Temba Bavuma-led side have all the experience to upset the Aussies, referring to the latter as the favorites.
AB de Villiers told Star Sports (via India Today):
“This is a massive moment for South African cricket—a final at Lord's. The entire nation will be behind our team, and hopefully, we can cross the line.”
He continued:
“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 favorites for this ICC World Test Championship Final.”
“Australia are a very experienced, well-oiled machine of a team. It won't be easy for South Africa. 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 added.
This will be the first Test between Australia and South Africa since January 2023. The Proteas finished first in the 2023-25 WTC points table, while the Aussies were second. SA won eight out of their 12 Tests, lost three, and drew one. Meanwhile, Australia registered 13 victories in 19 matches, with four losses and two draws.
The two teams last met each other in a three-match Test series from December 2022 to January 2023. Australia had won the first two matches by six wickets and an innings and 182 runs. The third Test ended in a draw. Overall, Australia lead SA by 54-26 in 101 Tests, including 21 draws, in head-to-head battles.
“I’m really looking forward to this contest” – AB de Villiers on AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final
In the same interview, AB de Villiers said he will follow the WTC 2025 final closely as the tournament might produce a new winner if South Africa cross the line against Australia. He 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.”
Kane Williamson’s New Zealand and Pat Cummins-led Australia won the 2021 and 2023 editions of the ICC event, respectively, with India finishing as the runners-up on both occasions. Cummins, in particular, will be keen to guide his team to back-to-back WTC titles.
Follow the WTC 2025 final live score and updates on Sportskeeda.