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South Africa's 282 Chase vs WTC Final History: Can Proteas Rewrite The Script?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Pat Cummins, Temba Bavuma and Kane Williamson [Source: AP Photos | @CricCrazyJohns, @AdultHumour27/x.com]Pat Cummins, Temba Bavuma and Kane Williamson [Source: AP Photos | @CricCrazyJohns, @AdultHumour27/x.com]

South Africa have been asked to chase down a target of 282 runs in the WTC 2025 Final to win their second ICC title. Temba Bavuma and his men will be disappointed by their performance on the third day morning where they allowed the last wicket partnership of Australia to foster for 59 runs. 

Notably, South Africa had picked up eight Australian wickets on Day 2 conceding 144 runs in their second bowling gig of the match. Kagiso Rabada picked up the wicket of Nathan Lyon early on Day 3 after Australia added only four runs to their overnight total. The expectation was that they would tumble the last wicket quickly and keep the target below 250. However, this did not happen and the target was stretched to over 280. 

As South Africa get ready to chase down the formidable total in the last innings of the game, let us take a look at the history of the fourth innings in the WTC Finals.

India vs New Zealand, WTC 2021 Final

In the first-ever WTC Final in 2021, India batted first and posted 217 runs in their first innings. The Kiwis came up with a strong reply and put 249 runs on the board taking a lead of 32. 

In their second innings, India failed to show the resilience that was needed and were bundled out for 170. The Kiwis under the leadership of Kane Williamson needed 140 runs to win the game. 

Led by a calm and composed half-century from Williamson himself, New Zealand chased down the target easily. They breached the target losing only two wickets in the 46th over of their second innings in the tournament.

India vs Australia WTC 2023 Final

India made it to their second consecutive WTC final in 2023. Australia batted first in the game and courtesy of Steve Smith and Travis Head's century posted a massive total of 469 runs on the board. 

Ajinkya Rahane led the batting effort of India in the first innings with a resilient 89. However, there was not much resistance from the other batters, and the team was bundled out for 296 as they conceded a lead of 173 runs.

In the second innings, Australia declared 270 runs on the board setting a target of 444 for India. 

Even though the Indian top order showed a fight, it was not enough to get them close to the target. Australia managed to bundle India out for 234 runs and win the game by 209 runs becoming the second WTC Champions. 

Conclusion

If we look at the short history of WTC finals so far, one team has won chasing in the fourth innings, while the other team won defending a total.

Notably, if South Africa manage to win the game they will chase down the highest-ever total in the still-building history of the WTC Finals. However, how the batting of the Proteas went in the first innings, this looks like a steep mountain to climb.