Aiden Markram Century Shines in WTC Final 2025
1. Lord’s Awaits a New Champion as South Africa Close In
At the end of Day 3 in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, South Africa stand on the edge of rewriting cricketing history. Chasing 282 to win against Australia, the Proteas finished the day at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 102 and Temba Bavuma on 65*. The duo’s gritty, unbeaten 143-run stand has given South Africa a golden chance to win their first-ever ICC title in men’s cricket.
2. Starc-Hazlewood’s Last-Wicket Resistance Raises Australian Hopes
Day three began with Australia at 190/9, leading by 264 runs. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, however, added 59 invaluable runs for the final wicket. Starc, batting with admirable determination, remained unbeaten on 58, guiding Australia to 207 before Kagiso Rabada finally ended the innings.
South Africa Eye Historic Win in World Test Championship Final
This late flourish lifted Australian spirits, giving them a total of 282 to defend — a significant target on a tricky pitch. But little did they know that the afternoon session would witness a South African masterclass.
3. Markram’s Classic Century Turns the Tide
Aiden Markram, often seen as a white-ball specialist in recent years, produced one of the most defining innings of his Test career. His unbeaten 102 was a model of composure, technique, and shot selection. Facing bowlers of the caliber of Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, and Lyon, Markram seemed unfazed and in total control.
It’s worth noting that Markram hadn’t played a red-ball match since January — making this ton even more exceptional. His footwork, timing, and calmness at the crease have now put South Africa in a commanding position.
4. Bavuma’s Brave Stand Despite Injury
South African skipper Temba Bavuma showed immense grit, battling through a hamstring issue to stand firm alongside Markram. He contributed a crucial unbeaten 65 in what could be a match-winning partnership. His mental toughness and leadership were on full display, anchoring the innings during pressure moments.
Though not flashy, Bavuma’s innings might prove to be one of the most important knocks in South African cricket history.
5. The Pitch Takes a Dramatic Turn
The first two days of the WTC Final had seen 28 wickets fall, with variable bounce and seam movement causing chaos for batters. However, Day 3 was markedly different. Under bright sunshine at Lord’s, the pitch seemed to flatten out — allowing batters some relief.
Markram and Bavuma made full use of these improved conditions. Their timing was crisp, and they kept the scoreboard ticking without taking unnecessary risks. The ease with which they batted stood in stark contrast to the batting collapses earlier in the match.
6. Rabada Stars Again with the Ball
Kagiso Rabada continued his domination with the ball in this Test. After his five-wicket haul in the first innings, he returned in the second innings with figures of 4-59, making key breakthroughs including the prized scalps of Travis Head and Alex Carey.
Rabada’s pace, accuracy, and ability to generate movement have been instrumental in keeping Australia’s lead in check. His nine wickets in the match so far underline his importance to the South African bowling unit.
7. Australia’s Bowlers Left Searching for Inspiration
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood started their second innings defence with promise, picking up two early wickets. But as the pitch settled and Markram dug in, their impact diminished. Even Nathan Lyon found little purchase from the surface.
Now, with only one new ball option and a deteriorating condition of the old one, Australia must summon a miracle on Day 4 to stop South Africa’s march toward the title.
8. The Chokers Tag on the Line
South Africa have long battled the ‘chokers’ tag in global tournaments — often falling short in knockouts or pressure moments. From the 1999 World Cup semi-final heartbreak to recent T20 World Cup exits, they have carried the burden of underachievement.
But this time, they stand poised to script a new narrative. A win at Lord’s would be their first ICC men’s title — a moment generations of South African cricketers and fans have waited for.
9. What to Expect on Day 4
With 69 runs needed and eight wickets in hand, South Africa are overwhelming favourites heading into Day 4. But as history has shown — especially at Lord’s — nothing can be taken for granted in Test cricket. Australia’s bowlers, especially Starc and Cummins, will go all out in the morning session to find early breakthroughs and spark a collapse.
Conversely, if Markram and Bavuma survive the first hour, it could be a walk to glory for the Proteas.
10. A New Era Beckons for South African Cricket
A victory here would not only deliver silverware but also usher in a new chapter in South African cricket. Under head coach Shukri Conrad and the leadership of Bavuma, this team has blended experienced campaigners like Rabada and Markram with exciting youngsters like Bedingham and Coetzee.
More importantly, a WTC win would give South Africa belief — belief that they belong at the very top of the international game and can handle pressure moments with grace and power.
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