WTC Final 2025 Day 3: Australia VS South Africa
South Africa on the Brink of Glory: Markram and Bavuma Shine in WTC Final
Cricket fans, buckle up!
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 is delivering
edge-of-the-seat drama, and South Africa are just 69 runs away from
scripting history. After a gripping third day at Lord’s, Aiden Markram (102)
and Temba Bavuma (65) have put their team in a commanding
position, leaving Australia scrambling for answers.
The Day That Changed Everything
South Africa began the day
needing to restrict Australia’s lead, but Mitchell Starc (58)
and Josh Hazlewood (17) frustrated them with a 59-run
last-wicket stand, pushing the target to 282. At that point,
many thought the chase would be tough—especially given South Africa’s history
of faltering in big matches.
But cricket, as we know, is a
game of glorious uncertainties.
A Chase to Remember
South Africa’s innings started
shakily—Ryan Rickleton fell early to Starc, and Wiaan
Mulder (25) departed after a promising start. At 70/2, the
pressure was immense. Then came the partnership that changed the game—Markram
and Bavuma joined forces and batted with grit, determination, and
sheer class.
- Markram was
flawless—his eighth Test century (102* off 156 balls) was
a masterclass in controlled aggression.
- Bavuma, battling a hamstring
injury, showed incredible courage, refusing to let pain dictate his
game.
- Their unbroken
143-run stand has all but sealed the deal for South Africa.
Australia threw everything—pace,
spin, short balls, yorkers—but nothing worked. Nathan Lyon troubled
them occasionally, and Travis Head got one to turn sharply,
but the Proteas held firm.
Key Moments That Defined the Day
- Smith’s Costly Drop – Steven Smith
dropped Bavuma early at slip, injuring his finger in the process. That
miss proved massive.
- Bavuma’s Painful Fight – Despite limping
between the wickets, the skipper played some breathtaking shots.
- Markram’s Century in
Style –
His whip through mid-wicket to reach his hundred was the perfect
exclamation point.
Can Australia Pull Off a
Miracle?
Realistically, no.
South Africa need just 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand. Unless Pat
Cummins’ men produce something extraordinary on Day 4, the trophy is heading to
South Africa.
Scoreboard Summary
|
Team |
1st Innings |
2nd Innings |
|
Australia |
212 |
207 |
|
South Africa |
138 |
213/2 |
Aiden Markram 102* Temba Bavuma 65*
Target: 282 | Runs Needed: 69
| Wickets Left: 8
Final Thoughts: South Africa’s
Redemption?
For a team that has often
stumbled in ICC events, this could be their greatest triumph.
Markram and Bavuma’s heroics have put them on the verge of lifting the World
Test Championship.
Australia, known for their
never-say-die attitude, will fight till the end. But as things stand, South
Africa’s dream is just 69 runs away.
What’s Next?
- Day 4 starts at 3 PM
IST (9:30 AM GMT).
- Can Australia take
early wickets and create panic?
- Or will Markram &
Bavuma finish the job in style?
One thing is certain—we’re in
for a thrilling finish!
Who do you think will win? Drop
your predictions in the comments!
Follow for more cricket updates & analysis! #WTCFinal #SAvAUS #Cricket
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