Former South African captain AB de Villiers is backing his country to overcome the defending champions, Australia, in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The match will be played at Lord’s from June 11. It is another opportunity for the Proteas, to win an ICC title. De Villiers described this as a “massive moment” and highlighted that despite Australia being the favourites, the South African team, led by Temba Bavuma, possesses the experience to challenge them.

“This is a significant milestone for South African cricket, a final at Lord’s. The whole country will be supporting our team, and we hope we can get across the finish line,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. We have a strong, well-rounded team, and I’m confident we can surprise Australia. I use the word ‘surprise’ because they are undoubtedly the favorites for this ICC World Test Championship Final,” he continued.

“Australia are a highly experienced, finely-tuned team. It won’t be easy for South Africa. But I’m confident because we have several in-form players and passionate individuals who have something to prove on this big stage,” De Villiers added.

This will be the first Test match between Australia and South Africa since January 2023. In the 2023-25 WTC points table, South Africa finished at the top, with Australia in second place. The Proteas secured eight wins from 12 Tests, while Australia registered 13 victories in 19 matches.

In the most recent series between the two teams, held from December 2022 to January 2023, Australia claimed victory in the first two Tests. The third Test concluded in a draw. Historically, Australia holds a 54-26 advantage over South Africa in 101 Test matches, with 21 draws.