South African opener Aiden Markram who was on a pair heading into the second innings finished day 3 unbeaten on 102 runs as South Africa finished the day in a commanding position at 213 runs for two wickets in 56 overs.
South Africa on day 4, need just 69 runs to win the ICC World Test Championship final. Markram added an unbeaten stand of 143 runs off 232 balls with his skipper Temba Bavuma unbeaten on 65 runs off 212 deliveries.
If Markram's knock was pure class, Bavuma's was gritty as he was struggling almost throughout the innings with his hamstring injury. However, the duo put their head down and negated everything the Australian bowlers threw at them.
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SA Poised For A Win After Day 3
After South Africa lost the wickets of Ryan Rickelton (6 runs off 8 balls) and Wiaan Mulder (27 runs off 50 balls) in the second session, they batted through the final session and added over 100 runs in the final session of play.
The Australian bowlers came up with all their skills and tricks but nothing fazed Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram as they concentrated hard and long. The partnership has now made South Africa serious contenders for winning the WTC 2025 final.
In another remarkable achievement during his unbeaten ton, Aiden Markram became the ninth batter to register a duck and a hundred in the same Test at Lord’s. Meanwhile, skipper Temba Bavuma understood his role brilliantly alongside Markram and was happy to play the second fiddle.
He hit a few excellent cover drives and played some lovely sweep shots despite his hamstring injury. Together, Bavuma and Markram were able to keep the likes of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon at Bay. Australian skipper Pat Cummins was forced to turn to Travis Head just two overs for 8 runs.
Mitchell Starc was the only successful bowler of the lot picking up the first two wickets to fall. He picked up two wickets for 53 runs. Lyon bowled 18 overs and went for 51 runs. Josh Hazlewood went for 43 runs off his 13 overs while Pat Cummins went for 36 runs off his 10 overs.
Also Read: WTC finals 2025: Aiden Markram Leads the Charge as South Africa Eye History at Lord’s
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South Africa Need 69 Runs On Day 4
South Africa are now just 69 runs short of winning the WTC 2025 final. Australia, the defending champions, now needs a miracle to happen to turn things around in their favour. The Proteas have never won an ICC tournament and they are almost on the brink of winning their first. On Day 4, Markram and Bavuma will look to get the job done themselves.
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Also Read:Â WTC 2025 Final: Why Are Australian & South Africa Players Wearing Black Armbands On Day 3
