Today’s Player of the Day goes to Lungi Ngidi who was fantastic with the ball taking 3-35 from 9 overs with an economy of 3.88.

In the first innings, Ngidi was not as effective as he hoped to be as he did not manage to take any wickets from the 8 overs he bowled. This brought along a lot of criticism and scrutiny from many fans, critics, and journalists who questioned if Coach Shukri Conrad made the correct decision in selecting Ngidi to play in the WTC Final, despite him not playing many Tests in the lead-up to this massive game.

However, on Day 2, South Africa were bowled out for 138. The Proteas came out guns blazing picking up multiple wickets in quick succession with Lungi leading the charge by getting the most important batters in the Australian lineup out and silencing his critics at the same time.

His first wicket was one of the most in-form and dangerous – Steve Smith. After a massive lbw appeal which was given not out on the field, DRS showed that it was a dead straight delivery on off stump.

His second wicket was Beau Webster who played well in Australia’s first innings. It was another lbw given out on the field this time. Webster reviewed, which showed us that the ball hit his back leg and would’ve smashed into the middle stump.

Those 2 wickets were massive for the Protea as Smith and Webster were the two highest run scorers during the first innings.

Ngidi’s third wicket was the wicket of Pat Cummins. This one saw him bowl a yorker which made Cummins swing and miss, slightly knicking the pad before crashing into the stumps.

Lungi Ngidi’s Day 2 performance was the perfect answer to the critics who questioned his selection. From being under immense pressure after a wicketless first innings to turning the match on its head with a fiery spell of 3-35.

Ngidi reminded the cricketing world of his class. His ability to strike at crucial moments, dismissing key players like Smith, Webster, and Cummins not only shifted momentum in South Africa’s favour but also reaffirmed Coach Shukri Conrad’s faith in him.

On a day when the Proteas desperately needed a hero, Lungi Ngidi stood tall and rightfully earned the title of Player of the Day.