South Africa edge closer to WTC crown as Markram and Bavuma shine
LONDON: Aiden Markram’s resolute century and captain Temba Bavuma’s composed half-century put South Africa in a dominant position on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s on Friday.
The duo batted with assurance and class to steer their side closer to a historic title win, extending their unbroken third-wicket stand to 143 runs. South Africa ended the day at 213/2, requiring just 69 more runs to claim the mace with eight wickets still intact.
Markram remained unbeaten on 102 from 159 balls, hitting 11 crisp boundaries, while Bavuma held firm with 65 not out off 121 deliveries. Together, they weathered Australia’s pace challenge and calmly turned the tide in South Africa’s favour.
Australia’s only success with the ball came through Mitchell Starc, who removed both openers — Ryan Rickelton (6) and Wiaan Mulder (27) — early in the innings. Markram first stitched a counter-attacking 61-run stand with Mulder before Bavuma joined him at the crease. At Tea, South Africa were 94/2, with Markram on 49 and Bavuma on 11, still requiring 188 more runs.
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed their second innings at 144/8 and managed to stretch their total to 232, thanks to a crucial final-wicket stand between Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Starc, showing his all-round ability, notched up a fighting fifty — his 11th in Tests — and shared a 50-run partnership with Hazlewood, who contributed a gritty 17.
It was Markram who eventually ended Australia’s innings, claiming Hazlewood’s wicket for his maiden Test scalp. Kagiso Rabada was once again the spearhead with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/43, while Lungi Ngidi took three wickets. Jansen, Mulder, and Markram chipped in with one apiece.
Australia had suffered a severe collapse on Day 2, losing five wickets for just 41 runs and slumping from 32/2 to 73/7. Their lower-order recovery was led by Alex Carey and Starc, who added a valuable 61 for the eighth wicket. Carey top-scored with 43 off 50 balls.
In the first innings, Australia were bundled out for 212, with Beau Webster’s aggressive 72 and Smith’s 62 being the notable contributions. Rabada picked up five wickets, with Jansen grabbing three.
South Africa’s reply in their first innings fell short as they were dismissed for 138 in just under 58 overs. David Bedingham led the scoring with 45, while Cummins wreaked havoc with figures of 6/38, supported by Starc’s two wickets.
With the final delicately poised, South Africa’s calm and calculated approach — led by Markram and Bavuma — has now brought them within touching distance of their maiden WTC title.
