Lord’s, London – Australia, the defending champions of the World Test Championship, find themselves on the brink of a stunning defeat in the 2025 final, as a magnificent century from Aiden Markram and a gritty half-century from captain Temba Bavuma have put South Africa in a commanding position. At stumps on Day 3, South Africa are just 69 runs away from glory with eight wickets still in hand, chasing a target of 282.
Day 1 & 2: A Bowler’s Paradise and Australian Fluctuations
The first two days of the WTC Final at Lord’s were dominated by the bowlers, with 14 wickets falling on each day. Australia, after being bowled out for 212 in their first innings (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5/51), gained a crucial lead as Pat Cummins’ sensational 6/28 dismantled South Africa for just 138. However, Australia’s second innings saw a dramatic collapse, despite a vital 61-run partnership between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc. They ended Day 2 at 144/8, with a lead of 218, leaving the match finely balanced.
Day 3: South Africa’s Resurgence – The Markram-Bavuma Masterclass
Day 3 began with Australia looking to extend their lead, but South Africa’s bowlers wrapped up their innings for 207, setting a target of 282. Mitchell Starc’s gritty unbeaten 58 from the tail-end had given Australia some hope.
However, the day truly belonged to South Africa. Despite an early scare with two wickets falling, Aiden Markram, who had registered a duck in the first innings, rose to the occasion with a superb century. His 102* (159 balls) was a masterclass in composure and stroke play. Complementing him perfectly was captain Temba Bavuma, who battled through a visible hamstring injury to score an unbeaten 65* (121 balls).
The duo forged an unbroken 143-run partnership for the third wicket, defying Australia’s potent bowling attack, including the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Their partnership turned the tide emphatically in South Africa’s favour, leaving Australian players visibly worried and searching for answers.
The Road Ahead: South Africa on the Cusp of History
With only 69 runs required and eight wickets in hand, South Africa are firmly in the driver’s seat. A victory would be monumental for the Proteas, who have often been labelled as “chokers” in major ICC tournaments. Batting coach Ashwell Prince highlighted the significance of this potential win, stating it would be “massive for the country.”
Australia, on the other hand, will be hoping for a miracle on Day 4. They will need early wickets to exploit any lingering pressure on the South African batters and turn the tide back in their favor. The absence of Steve Smith, who dislocated a finger attempting a catch off Bavuma, adds to their challenges.
The World Test Championship final now stands poised for a thrilling conclusion, with South Africa just a few strides away from clinching their first-ever WTC title.
