Proteas sense victory as they need 69 more runs to win WTC against Australia

Aiden Markram's brilliant unbeaten century and skipper Temba Bavuma's resilient fifty placed South Africa in a commanding position on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

Chasing a target of 282 for victory, South Africa ended the day at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs to clinch the coveted WTC title with eight wickets in hand.

The third day belonged to the Proteas, thanks to the unbroken 143-run third-wicket stand between Markram and Bavuma, who confidently took on Australia’s elite bowling attack.

Markram was the star of the day, reaching 102 not out from 159 balls, laced with 11 boundaries.

His innings was a masterclass in control and composure under pressure.

Bavuma supported him with an unbeaten 65 from 121 balls, displaying calm leadership and tactical awareness.

The day began with Australia resuming their second innings at 144/8.

Kagiso Rabada struck early, trapping Nathan Lyon out for just 2 runs.

However, the last-wicket pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated the South Africans by adding a valuable 50-run partnership.

Starc impressed with the bat, scoring his 11th Test half-century before Hazlewood was dismissed for 17 by part-time bowler Aiden Markram — his maiden Test wicket.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 212, setting South Africa a 282-run target.

Kagiso Rabada was once again the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 wickets, while Lungi Ngidi claimed three.

 Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Markram shared the remaining wickets.

In pursuit of the target, South Africa suffered an early setback when opener Ryan Rickelton was bowled by Starc in the third over for just six.

However, Markram launched a counterattack, stitching together a 61-run stand with Wiaan Mulder, who scored a brisk 27 before falling to Starc once again.

The Proteas were 94/2 at tea, with Markram on 49 and Bavuma on 11. The duo then took full control in the final session, frustrating the Australians with calculated shot selection and unwavering focus.

The right-handed opener had then added 24 runs for the third wicket with skipper Bavuma until the conclusion of the second session of the third day.

Earlier, Australia endured a turbulent second day, slumping from 32/2 to 73/7 after a devastating collapse triggered by South Africa’s pace attack. 

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne had hoped to stabilise the innings, but wickets fell in quick succession, with five lost for just 41 runs.

Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc mounted a late recovery, adding 61 valuable runs. Carey top-scored with 43 off 50 balls, while Starc was unbeaten on 16 at stumps, alongside Nathan Lyon (1*).

In their first innings, Australia had been bowled out for 212, with Beau Webster top-scoring with a brisk 72 off 92 balls, supported by Steve Smith’s gritty 62 off 112 deliveries.

Kagiso Rabada led the bowling charge with a five-wicket haul in 15.4 overs, while Marco Jansen chipped in with three wickets.

In reply, South Africa managed only 138 in 57.1 overs in their first innings. David Bedingham was the top scorer with 45 runs.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins was exceptional, claiming six wickets, with Starc contributing two scalps to give Australia a crucial first-innings lead.