An unbroken 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma that guided them to 213/2 by stumps, just 69 runs shy of victory

South Africa took a firm grip on the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final on Day 3, thanks to an unbroken 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma that guided them to 213/2 by stumps, just 69 runs shy of victory.

Markram, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, played one of the finest knocks of his career, reaching a patient and composed unbeaten century (102 not out off 159 balls) at Lord’s. He found perfect company in his captain Bavuma, who stood solid with 65 not out and anchored the innings with maturity and restraint. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowlers with textbook technique, turning a tricky chase into a calm pursuit. Mitchell Starc threatened early by removing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, but once the new ball faded, Australia’s attack lost bite.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood couldn’t find breakthroughs on a flattening pitch, while Nathan Lyon failed to generate any turn or trouble the batters. Even inventive options like Beau Webster and Travis Head couldn’t disrupt the rhythm of the Proteas’ batters. The pitch eased out in the final session, allowing Markram and Bavuma to score freely through gaps and rotate strike with ease. Their stand not only steadied the innings but also sapped the energy out of the Aussies. Every milestone reached, from 50 to 150 and eventually 200, was met with calm applause from a tense crowd sensing a shift. Markram’s 100 off 156 balls featured elegant drives and compact defense, highlighting his class and character on the grandest stage. South Africa will now enter Day 4 just 69 runs away from a historic WTC title triumph.

Earlier in the day, Australia added 63 crucial runs to their overnight total of 144/8, finishing on 207 in their second innings, setting South Africa a target of 282. Starc remained unbeaten on 58 in a gutsy rearguard effort, showcasing determination with the bat and striking five boundaries during his 136-ball stay. He and Hazlewood added 59 for the last wicket, the highest of the innings, which proved to be a valuable lifeline for Australia. However, the Proteas’ bowlers ensured the tail didn’t run away completely, with Kagiso Rabada finishing with 4/59 and Lungi Ngidi picking up 3/38 in a disciplined display.

Marco Jansen and Mulder supported well, keeping pressure on the lower order. Australia’s innings, however, lacked middle-order stability, as Alex Carey’s 43 was the only other notable score. The collapse from 73/7 to 207 all-out showed the vulnerability against disciplined South African bowling.

With the ball, Australia had their moments, Starc’s double strike gave early hope, but they failed to sustain pressure as the match wore on. Lyon’s 18 overs went wicketless, and Cummins’ sharp spells lacked the edge to dislodge the settled duo. As the partnership between Markram and Bavuma grew, the fielding intensity dropped, and Australia appeared out of ideas. With only three days gone, and two well-set batters at the crease, South Africa have firmly taken control. For Australia, it’s now a matter of hoping for a miracle, while for the Proteas, a long-awaited ICC title looms closer than ever.

@admin