South Africa took a agency grip on the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final on Day 3, due to an unbroken 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma that guided them to 213/2 by stumps, simply 69 runs shy of victory.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stand tall as South Africa close to historic WTC 2025 triumph
Markram, who was dismissed for a duck within the first innings, performed one of many best knocks of his profession, reaching a affected person and composed unbeaten century (102 not out off 159 balls) at Lord’s. He discovered excellent firm in his captain Bavuma, who stood strong with 65 not out and anchored the innings with maturity and restraint. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowlers with textbook approach, turning a tough chase into a relaxed pursuit. Mitchell Starc threatened early by eradicating Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, however as soon as the brand new ball pale, Australia’s assault misplaced chew.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood couldn’t discover breakthroughs on a flattening pitch, whereas Nathan Lyon did not generate any flip or bother the batters. Even ingenious choices like Beau Webster and Travis Head couldn’t disrupt the rhythm of the Proteas’ batters. The pitch eased out within the last session, permitting Markram and Bavuma to attain freely by way of gaps and rotate strike with ease. Their stand not solely steadied the innings but additionally sapped the vitality out of the Aussies. Each milestone reached, from 50 to 150 and finally 200, was met with calm applause from a tense crowd sensing a shift. Markram’s 100 off 156 balls featured elegant drives and compact protection, highlighting his class and character on the grandest stage. South Africa will now enter Day 4 simply 69 runs away from a historic WTC title triumph.
Additionally READ: Fans go wild as Aiden Markram’s sublime ton at Lord’s keeps South Africa on track for a historic WTC 2025 triumph
Mitchell Starc’s fifty, Kagiso Rabada’s burst and a missed alternative for Australia
Earlier within the day, Australia added 63 essential runs to their in a single day whole of 144/8, ending on 207 of their second innings, setting South Africa a goal of 282. Starc remained unbeaten on 58 in a gutsy rearguard effort, showcasing willpower with the bat and putting 5 boundaries throughout his 136-ball keep. He and Hazlewood added 59 for the final wicket, the very best of the innings, which proved to be a helpful lifeline for Australia. Nevertheless, the Proteas’ bowlers ensured the tail didn’t run away utterly, with Kagiso Rabada ending with 4/59 and Lungi Ngidi choosing up 3/38 in a disciplined show.
Marco Jansen and Mulder supported nicely, preserving strain on the decrease order. Australia’s innings, nevertheless, lacked middle-order stability, as Alex Carey’s 43 was the one different notable rating. The collapse from 73/7 to 207 all-out confirmed the vulnerability towards disciplined South African bowling.
With the ball, Australia had their moments, Starc’s double strike gave early hope, however they did not maintain strain because the match wore on. Lyon’s 18 overs went wicketless, and Cummins’ sharp spells lacked the sting to dislodge the settled duo. Because the partnership between Markram and Bavuma grew, the fielding depth dropped, and Australia appeared out of concepts. With solely three days gone, and two well-set batters on the crease, South Africa have firmly taken management. For Australia, it’s now a matter of hoping for a miracle, whereas for the Proteas, a long-awaited ICC title looms nearer than ever.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
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E100!!!!!!!!!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 13, 2025
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) June 13, 2025
If it occurs, as appears seemingly, that is going to be such an awesome end result, not only for South Africa, however for world cricket. A 12 months in the past, I requested mates in SA if Bavuma might be the Kolisi of cricket. Perhaps?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 13, 2025
What a particular innings by Aidan Markram .. At an important time towards a World class assault he has produced one of many best tons in a last .. It is a enormous second for a S.A Cricket .. 2025 is definitely the 12 months of the beneath canine .. perhaps that may proceed for the Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 13, 2025
A SENSATIONAL CENTURY
Aiden Markram at his best possible 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GGOgDTQZba
— Werner (@Werries_) June 13, 2025
The final time Aiden Markram had a 50+ rating in an ICC last 👀⏳ pic.twitter.com/RFx41tVrJm
— Lucknow Tremendous Giants (@LucknowIPL) June 13, 2025
All time Captain’s shift on one leg.
Temba Bavuma, thanks for serving to numerous us heal and for proving the doubters incorrect.
Historical past beckons! #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/9hDPqsp96b
— Vuyo Mondi (@Thee_Amender) June 13, 2025
I’m keen to donate my hamstrings to Temba Bavuma, I’ve no use for them.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) June 13, 2025
A Take a look at century for the ages by Aiden amarkram in a run chase by South Africa that can be lengthy remembered
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 13, 2025
Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram’s rock-solid stand edges South Africa nearer to glory at Lord’s! 🏏
The duo has batted with outstanding composure and willpower, steadily guiding South Africa in the direction of what might be a well-known win within the WTC Ultimate 2025.
Scorecard:… pic.twitter.com/nVzWCqEHGI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 13, 2025
Additionally READ: WTC 2025 Final: Top 5 highest successful run chases at Lord’s in Tests as South Africa target history vs Australia
