Crazy beautiful final 50-50 after two days

South Africa's Chances of Winning the WTC Final

South Africa's chances of winning the WTC final were melting like cream on a scone left in the sun at tea on Thursday. However, Lungi Ngidi took three wickets in 36 deliveries, rewriting the narrative of the match and earning South Africa a shot at glory.

Ngidi's Resurgence

Ngidi, who had struggled in the first innings, going for 45 runs in eight overs, found his rhythm after swapping ends and taking advice from Kagiso Rabada. Rabada had suggested a good night's sleep, a nice steak, and a milkshake, which may have helped Ngidi's performance.

Key Wickets

• Ngidi trapped Steve Smith in front with a delivery that crashed into his back pad.
• Ngidi also trapped Beau Webster in front, with the umpire's decision being upheld by DRS.
• Wiaan Mulder bowled Travis Head off his pads, followed by Ngidi doing the same to Pat Cummins.

Australia's Struggle

Australia lost seven wickets for 45 runs, with Ngidi taking 3/35 in his nine-over spell. However, once Ngidi completed his spell, South Africa's intensity faltered, and Australia were able to add 61 runs before Rabada trapped Alex Carey in front on review.

Controversy

There was controversy in the last over before lunch when a delivery from Beau Webster popped behind the flap of David Bedingham's pad and stayed there. Bedingham fished the ball out using his hand and plopped it onto the pitch ahead of an advancing Alex Carey. The umpires declared the ball dead, and the Aussies shrugged and got on with it.

Cummins' Achievement

Pat Cummins claimed 6/28, taking him to 300 wickets. He deserves all of the praise that will come his way, but he should deflect some of it to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who had a combined economy rate of 2.43 in their 28 overs.

Rabada's Milestone

Kagiso Rabada reached the 300 wickets milestone significantly faster than Cummins, in 1,908 fewer deliveries. However, this may not matter on Friday, when the WTC champions are likely to be decided.