London, June 13, 2025: Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century and Temba Bavuma’s resilient half-century put South Africa within touching distance of a historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s on Day 3.
Chasing 282 for victory, the Proteas finished the day at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand. Markram remained unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls, laced with 11 boundaries, while captain Bavuma stood firm at 65 from 121 deliveries*. Their unbroken 143-run stand for the third wicket has put South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat heading into the penultimate day.
Australia’s only successful bowler so far has been Mitchell Starc, who claimed both wickets—dismissing Ryan Rickelton (6) early and Wiaan Mulder (27) after a 61-run second-wicket stand with Markram.
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed their second innings at 144/8, adding valuable lower-order runs before being bowled out for 212. Mitchell Starc (53)* led a gutsy 10th-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood (17), frustrating South African bowlers and stretching the lead to a competitive 281. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4/56, while Lungi Ngidi bagged three wickets.
Australia’s innings collapse on Day 2—from 32/2 to 73/7—had handed the initiative to South Africa. Steve Smith (62) and Beau Webster (72) were the main contributors in the first innings as Australia posted 212, with Rabada taking a five-wicket haul.
South Africa, in response, struggled to 138 all out, with David Bedingham (45) the lone resistance. Pat Cummins starred with the ball, claiming 6/39, giving Australia a 74-run first-innings lead.
But in the second innings, South Africa’s top order bounced back with resolve, with Markram anchoring the chase and Bavuma providing stability and leadership.
With just one day remaining, South Africa now stand on the brink of their first WTC title, needing less than 70 runs to cap off a memorable turnaround at the Home of Cricket.
