South Africa and Australia are all set to face off in the ICC World Test Championship final, starting June 11 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

While Australia enters as the defending champions, South Africa is chasing their first WTC title. With both sides boasting world-class fast bowlers, the outcome may come down to the form and fire of two standout pacers — Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.

Pat Cummins, Australia’s skipper and bowling spearhead, is widely considered one of the most consistent Test bowlers in the world. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, however, is not far behind — currently ranked second in the ICC Test bowling rankings, just ahead of Cummins at third.

Rabada: 327 wickets in 70 Tests

Cummins: 294 wickets in 67 Tests

Both bowlers are proven match-winners, but it’s their efficiency and impact under pressure that could tip the balance in this WTC decider.

Rabada edges ahead of Cummins when it comes to bowling average and strike rate:

Strike rate:

Rabada – 39.44

Cummins – 46.31

Bowling average:

Rabada – 22.00

Cummins – 22.44

Rabada has also taken five-wicket hauls 16 times and claimed four 10-wicket hauls in Tests. In comparison, Cummins has 13 five-fors and two 10-wicket match hauls.

Head-to-Head: Record Against Opponent

While both pacers have excelled globally, their records against each other’s teams add a fascinating twist:

Cummins vs South Africa:

41 wickets in 8 Tests

Average: 19.31 (his second-best against any side)

Rabada vs Australia:

49 wickets in 10 Tests

Average: 23.00

Cummins' dominance over South Africa makes him a key threat at Lord’s, while Rabada’s proven record against the Aussies could be a game-changer.

The battle between Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada could define the WTC final. Both pacers are in elite form and have the ability to tilt the match with a single spell. As two of the finest Test bowlers of this generation, their duel at Lord’s promises to be one for the ages.

Will Cummins maintain his hold over the Proteas, or can Rabada inspire South Africa to a historic first Test championship title? All eyes will be on Lord’s as the pace battle takes center stage.