South Africa took a firm grip on the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final on Day 3, thanks to an unbroken 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma that guided them to 213/2 by stumps, just 69 runs shy of victory.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stand tall as South Africa near historic WTC 2025 triumph
Markram, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, played one of the finest knocks of his career, reaching a patient and composed unbeaten century (102 not out off 159 balls) at Lord’s. He found perfect company in his captain Bavuma, who stood solid with 65 not out and anchored the innings with maturity and restraint. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowlers with textbook technique, turning a tricky chase into a calm pursuit. Mitchell Starc threatened early by removing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, but once the new ball faded, Australia’s attack lost bite.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood couldn’t find breakthroughs on a flattening pitch, while Nathan Lyon failed to generate any turn or trouble the batters. Even inventive options like Beau Webster and Travis Head couldn’t disrupt the rhythm of the Proteas’ batters. The pitch eased out in the final session, allowing Markram and Bavuma to score freely through gaps and rotate strike with ease. Their stand not only steadied the innings but also sapped the energy out of the Aussies. Every milestone reached, from 50 to 150 and eventually 200, was met with calm applause from a tense crowd sensing a shift. Markram’s 100 off 156 balls featured elegant drives and compact defense, highlighting his class and character on the grandest stage. South Africa will now enter Day 4 just 69 runs away from a historic WTC title triumph.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Aiden Markram’s sublime ton at Lord’s keeps South Africa on track for a historic WTC 2025 triumph
Mitchell Starc’s fifty, Kagiso Rabada’s burst and a missed opportunity for Australia
Earlier in the day, Australia added 63 crucial runs to their overnight total of 144/8, finishing on 207 in their second innings, setting South Africa a target of 282. Starc remained unbeaten on 58 in a gutsy rearguard effort, showcasing determination with the bat and striking five boundaries during his 136-ball stay. He and Hazlewood added 59 for the last wicket, the highest of the innings, which proved to be a valuable lifeline for Australia. However, the Proteas’ bowlers ensured the tail didn’t run away completely, with Kagiso Rabada finishing with 4/59 and Lungi Ngidi picking up 3/38 in a disciplined display.
Marco Jansen and Mulder supported well, keeping pressure on the lower order. Australia’s innings, however, lacked middle-order stability, as Alex Carey’s 43 was the only other notable score. The collapse from 73/7 to 207 all-out showed the vulnerability against disciplined South African bowling.
With the ball, Australia had their moments, Starc’s double strike gave early hope, but they failed to sustain pressure as the match wore on. Lyon’s 18 overs went wicketless, and Cummins’ sharp spells lacked the edge to dislodge the settled duo. As the partnership between Markram and Bavuma grew, the fielding intensity dropped, and Australia appeared out of ideas. With only three days gone, and two well-set batters at the crease, South Africa have firmly taken control. For Australia, it’s now a matter of hoping for a miracle, while for the Proteas, a long-awaited ICC title looms closer than ever.
Here’s how fans reacted:
S AUCE
100!!!!!!!!!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 13, 2025
🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) June 13, 2025
If it happens, as seems likely, this is going to be such a great result, not just for South Africa, but for world cricket. A year ago, I asked friends in SA if Bavuma could be the Kolisi of cricket. Maybe?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 13, 2025
What a special innings by Aidan Markram .. At the most important time against a World class attack he has produced one of the finest tons in a final .. This is a huge moment for a S.A Cricket .. 2025 is certainly the year of the under dog .. maybe that will continue for the Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 13, 2025
A SENSATIONAL CENTURY
Aiden Markram at his absolute best 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GGOgDTQZba
— Werner (@Werries_) June 13, 2025
The last time Aiden Markram had a 50+ score in an ICC final 👀⏳ pic.twitter.com/RFx41tVrJm
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) June 13, 2025
All time Captain’s shift on one leg.
Temba Bavuma, thank you for helping a lot of us heal and for proving the doubters wrong.
History beckons! #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/9hDPqsp96b
— Vuyo Mondi (@Thee_Amender) June 13, 2025
I’m willing to donate my hamstrings to Temba Bavuma, I have no use for them.
— Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) June 13, 2025
A Test century for the ages by Aiden amarkram in a run chase by South Africa that will be long remembered
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 13, 2025
Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram’s rock-solid stand edges South Africa closer to glory at Lord’s! 🏏
The duo has batted with remarkable composure and determination, steadily guiding South Africa towards what could be a famous win in the WTC Final 2025.
Scorecard:… pic.twitter.com/nVzWCqEHGI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 13, 2025
Also READ: WTC 2025 Final: Top 5 highest successful run chases at Lord’s in Tests as South Africa target history vs Australia
