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Markram's Century And Bavuma's Grit Put South Africa On Brink Of WTC Final Win vs Australia

Jatin

Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma [Source: @SACricketmag/x.com]Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma [Source: @SACricketmag/x.com]

They say Test matches don’t swing in a session but Day 3 of the WTC 2025 final at Lord’s begged to differ. Australia may have started with their noses in front but by stumps, South Africa had not just clawed back into the contest, they had sunk their teeth in.

Needing 282 to win the WTC Final, they now sit comfortably at 213/2 with just 69 more runs to script one of their greatest ever fourth-innings victories. And the heroes of the day? Aiden Markram, who cracked a brilliant unbeaten century and Temba Bavuma, who limped, fought and batted like a man possessed.

Let’s take a detailed look at the AUS vs SA WTC Final Day 3 Highlights.

Starc And Hazlewood Stall The Charge

Australia resumed at 144/8 with Starc and Lyon in the middle. The ball had softened, the sun was out and batting got easier. Lyon didn’t last long but Starc found a gritty partner in Hazlewood. Together, they frustrated the Proteas for 22.2 overs, adding 59 runs for the last wicket.

Rabada steamed in for an entire hour, but the magic just didn’t come. Ngidi was tidy but lacked teeth. Maharaj turned a few but nothing alarming. The ball barely carried to slips at times, it was that kind of morning.

Starc brought up his first Test fifty since 2019, a timely reminder that the big left-armer doesn’t back down from big moments. Eventually, it took a soft dismissal from Hazlewood, caught off a gentle prod to Aiden Markram, to wrap things up at 207, setting a target of 282 as Lunch was called on Day 3.

Rickelton Falls Early But Proteas Hit The Gas

South Africa’s second innings began with nerves and fire. Rickelton edged Starc behind early, but that’s where the chaos ended and class took over. Markram looked fluid from the get-go, while Wiaan Mulder counterpunched with crisp drives. Lyon came on early, Starc changed his angle but it was all soaked up well. A soft dismissal ended Mulder’s stay but he had done his bit.

Then came captain Bavuma. And he meant business. A flurry of boundaries announced his intent before cramps and a hamstring niggle slowed him down. But the Proteas skipper wasn’t going anywhere. The duo batted sensible to see Australia into Tea at 94/2.

Markram Shines, Bavuma Fights As Clouds Roll In

Post Tea, the skies turned grey but South Africa turned golden. Markram was rock solid, playing strokes that oozed confidence. Bavuma, despite the discomfort, stayed busy, ticked the scoreboard over and ran hard. There was nothing flashy, but it was gritty, gutsy Test cricket at its best.

Australia looked flat. Starc had picked up two wickets but leaked runs. Cummins and Hazlewood tried their best but got zero movement. Lyon and Head found turn but not sharp enough. The 143-run partnership between Markram and Bavuma sucked the life out of Australia’s attack.

Markram brought up his century off 156 balls. Bavuma is unbeaten on 65, battling both pain and pressure. The crowd stood, applauded, and felt the shift.

Advantage South Africa Heading Into Day 4

Make no mistake, South Africa are in the driver’s seat. They need just 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand and two set batters at the crease. The pitch has flattened out. The ball is old. And Australia? They need a miracle.

The WTC Final has taken a dramatic turn. Aiden Markram’s class and Temba Bavuma’s courage have put South Africa within touching distance of history.

All roads now lead to Day 4. And unless Australia pull off something extraordinary, it’s the Rainbow Nation’s crown to lose.