KEY POINTS
- Proteas need 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand to claim their maiden ICC World Test Championship title
- Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century and Temba Bavuma’s solid 65 have put South Africa on the brink of a historic Test victory
ISLAMABAD: The stage is set for a dramatic finale at Lord’s as South Africa stand just 69 runs away from clinching their first ICC World Test Championship title. On a gripping Day 3, the Proteas reached 213/2 in pursuit of 282, with Aiden Markram (102)* and Temba Bavuma (65)* steering the side through a tense evening session.
Earlier in the match, South Africa were bundled out for 138 in their first innings, trailing Australia’s 212 by 74 runs. But a spirited fightback by the Proteas’ bowling attack, led by a fiery pace unit, restricted Australia to 207 in their second innings, setting up a fourth-innings target that now looks within striking distance.
Markram’s gritty century — his fourth in Tests — anchored South Africa’s chase, while Bavuma’s composed half-century provided the perfect foil as the pair stitched an unbroken 147-run stand. The two batters defied a world-class Australian pace attack and turned a tricky chase into a golden opportunity.
With just 69 runs needed and 8 wickets in hand, South Africa are within touching distance of one of their greatest red-ball triumphs. But the Australians, ever dangerous, need just 7 more wickets to turn the tide and retain their hold on Test supremacy.
Match Summary:
ICC World Test Championship Final – Day 3 Stumps
Australia: 212 & 207
South Africa: 138 & 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*)
South Africa need 69 runs to win; Australia need 7 wickets
All eyes now turn to Day 4 — where history, heartbreak, and glory are just a session away.
