📍 Lord’s, London – June 14, 2025
South Africa are just 69 runs away from lifting their first-ever ICC trophy, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia.
Markram’s Redemption, Bavuma’s Bravery
After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, Aiden Markram bounced back in style with a match-defining unbeaten 102. Captain Temba Bavuma, struggling with a hamstring injury, stood tall with a resilient 65 not out.
The pair stitched an unbeaten 143-run stand, guiding South Africa to 213/2, just 69 runs short of the 282-run target set by Australia.
WTC Final 2025: A Historic Moment for South African Cricket
This could be a watershed moment in South African cricket, ending a 27-year ICC trophy drought. If successful, it would be South Africa’s first ICC title in any format, rewriting their long-standing narrative of near misses and heartbreak.
Australia Fight Back, But Fall Behind
Earlier in the day, Mitchell Starc fought back with the bat, scoring a gutsy 58 not out, adding 59 runs for the last wicket with Josh Hazlewood, extending Australia’s lead to 281.
But their bowlers couldn’t crack the Markram-Bavuma duo. Adding to their woes, Steve Smith suffered a finger injury while fielding, ruling him out of the rest of the match.
South Africa’s Bowling Stars Set the Tone
South Africa’s dominance began with the ball. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi destroyed Australia’s batting line-up, taking 14 wickets between them over the first two innings.
Their early breakthroughs and relentless pressure laid the platform for South Africa’s confident fourth-innings chase.
Key Stats from Day 3
- South Africa: 213/2 (Target: 282)
- Aiden Markram: 102 (Day 3 hero)*
- Temba Bavuma: 65 (Captain’s knock)*
- Partnership: 143 runs unbeaten
- Australia’s last wicket stand: 59 runs
- Mitchell Starc: 58 not out*
- Steve Smith: Out due to finger dislocation
What to Expect on Day 4
South Africa will resume Day 4 with just 69 runs required, holding 8 wickets in hand and all the momentum. Australia, known for pulling off surprises, will need a miracle to stop the Proteas from clinching the WTC Final 2025 title.
Will South Africa finally lift their maiden ICC trophy? Or can Australia turn the tide?
Stay tuned for live updates from Lord’s Cricket Ground as cricket history unfolds!