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Usman Khawaja Teases WTC Final Form With Resilient Ton In Domestic Cricket

Soumyajit Dutta

Usman Khawaja [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]Usman Khawaja [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

Usman Khawaja delivered a timely reminder of his class with a gritty century for Queensland against Tasmania in their must-win Sheffield Shield clash, signalling his readiness for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June 2025.

The 38-year-old opener, battling on a green-tinged Bellerive Oval pitch, scored 127 off 221 balls, his 43rd first-class ton, to anchor Queensland’s first-day total of 6-309. The knock marked Khawaja’s first Shield century since November 2023 and extended his late-season resurgence after a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, where he managed just one half-century.

Usman Khawaja Bounces Back In Form

Khawaja’s innings wasn’t without drama. Early in his stay, Tasmania vehemently appealed for a caught-behind off Gabe Bell when he was on 11, but umpire Shawn Craig ruled in the batter’s favour. The left-hander capitalized, blending patience with aggression to steady Queensland’s innings.

Usman Khawaja's form revival mirrors his recent Test heroics, including a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka in January, a performance that solidified his spot ahead of the marquee WTC final. “It was pretty tough out there. But batting with Uzzy was awesome. He’s so composed,” said teammate Lachlan Hearne, who shared a 110-run partnership with Khawaja.

Late Wickets Dent Queensland’s Charge

Tasmania fought back late, with Khawaja edging Bell to second slip and Hearne run out by Kieran Elliott’s pinpoint throw. Jimmy Peirson’s dismissal in the final over left Michael Neser and Jake Wildermuth to resume on Day 2.

Khawaja’s knock not only kept Queensland’s faint Shield final hopes alive but also served as a statement ahead of Australia’s clash with South Africa at Lord’s. Moreover, Khawaja's grind on tricky pitches reaffirms his value as Australia’s opener and anchor in red-ball cricket.