Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century has put South Africa within touching distance of a stunning and improbable victory in the World Test Championship final, as the Proteas closed day three at 213-2, needing just 69 more runs to dethrone Australia at Lord’s.
Markram’s resilient 102* — his first Test hundred in 17 innings — and an equally gritty 65* from skipper Temba Bavuma have given South Africa a fighting chance of chasing down the joint second-highest successful fourth-innings total ever at the iconic venue. The duo’s unbroken 143-run stand was the highest partnership of the match and a testament to patience, control, and opportunistic strokeplay on a pitch that flattened dramatically after two bowler-dominated days.
Fluctuating Fortunes in a Gripping Final
After a chaotic first two days that saw 24 wickets tumble, Friday brought a significant shift in momentum. South Africa took full advantage of the increasingly benign surface and Australia’s tiring bowlers to mount a composed and strategic run chase.
Australia, resuming on 144-8 and leading by 218, had hoped to eke out a few more runs in the morning session. Instead, Mitchell Starc frustrated the South Africans with a fighting unbeaten 58. Along with Josh Hazlewood (17), he added 59 runs for the final wicket before Hazlewood was dismissed by part-time off-spinner Markram. Australia were eventually bowled out for 207, setting South Africa a target of 282.
South Africa’s Measured Response
The Proteas’ innings started shakily when Ryan Rickelton fell for six to Starc, caught behind by Alex Carey after edging a full delivery. Wiaan Mulder then injected some momentum with a quick 27 before becoming Starc’s second victim, caught by Marnus Labuschagne at cover.
From 70-2, Markram and Bavuma took control. Markram mixed discipline with flair, punishing loose deliveries and showing excellent shot selection. Bavuma, hampered by a hamstring strain, battled physical discomfort to anchor the chase, riding his luck after being dropped on two by Steve Smith — a costly moment, compounded by Smith suffering a compound dislocation of his finger.
Victory Within Reach
At stumps, the Proteas stood just 69 runs away from one of the greatest comebacks in recent Test memory. If successful, it would mark a monumental achievement for a side that many had doubted due to their limited Test schedule and underdog status heading into the final.
Markram and Bavuma will return on Saturday with the weight of history on their shoulders — and a golden opportunity to seal South Africa’s first-ever WTC title in style.
Australia, meanwhile, will rue missed chances and must summon all their experience and aggression if they are to pull off a late reversal. With the pitch easing and the South African pair settled, the odds now favour a famous Proteas victory.
