SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 3: The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 has reached a nail-biting climax as South Africa, chasing a target of 282, ended Day 3 at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs to claim their maiden ICC title. Powered by Aiden Markram’s sublime unbeaten century and captain Temba Bavuma’s resilient 65*, the Proteas stand on the brink of rewriting cricket history at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
A Rocky Start, Followed by Markram’s Masterclass
South Africa’s second innings began on a shaky note as they lost opener Ryan Rickelton for just 6 runs with the scoreboard reading 9/1. Australia’s Mitchell Starc, in fine rhythm, struck early and then returned to remove Viaan Mulder for 27, leaving the Proteas at 70/2.
But then walked in captain Bavuma, and together with Markram, the duo stitched an unbeaten 143-run partnership that frustrated the Aussie bowling attack. Markram played with supreme control and elegance, crafting a flawless 102* off 189 balls. His knock included 13 boundaries and came at a time when South Africa needed a composed innings the most.
Australia’s Battle with the Bat
Earlier, Australia’s second innings saw an improved effort with the bat compared to their first innings collapse. However, it wasn’t quite enough to build an impregnable lead.
Australia were tottering at 73/7 before Mitchell Starc’s resilient 58* and Alex Carey’s gritty 43 helped the side post 207 in their second outing. Starc, who faced 136 deliveries, played a crucial role in pushing the lead to 281. But whether that buffer is enough now remains in serious doubt.
South African pacers, especially Kagiso Rabada (4/58), bowled with great intensity, making early inroads to put Australia on the back foot yet again.
Bowling Dominance: Cummins and Rabada Shine
The Lord’s Test has so far been a bowler-dominated contest. Australian skipper Pat Cummins produced a fiery spell in the first innings, bagging 6 wickets and restricting South Africa to a paltry 138. Starc backed him with two wickets of his own.
For South Africa, Rabada has been the standout bowler with 9 wickets across both innings (5/50 and 4/58). Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and part-timer Aiden Markram chipped in with crucial wickets.
Score Summary So Far:
Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out (Beau Webster 72, Smith 66; Rabada 5/50)
South Africa 1st Innings: 138 all out (Bedingham 45; Cummins 6/38)
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 all out (Starc 58*, Carey 43; Rabada 4/58)
South Africa 2nd Innings: 213/2 in 56 overs (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*; Starc 2/53)
What Lies Ahead
With just 69 runs required and 8 wickets in hand, Day 4 could see South Africa achieve their most significant cricketing triumph yet. However, the pressure of a final and Australia’s ability to bounce back with a couple of quick wickets cannot be underestimated.
Pat Cummins and co. will need something extraordinary to flip the script. A few early breakthroughs could send jitters through the South African camp. For now, though, it’s Markram and Bavuma who have the upper hand as they look to end South Africa’s long wait for a major ICC trophy.
Final Verdict: Advantage South Africa, But It’s Not Over Yet
South Africa have never been this close to a global ICC title in Test cricket. With just a session or two away from glory, the fourth day at Lord’s promises high drama, pressure, and possibly, a moment of history that South African cricket fans have dreamt of for decades.
Stay tuned for Day 4 action from the Home of Cricket — a day that could crown a new World Test Champion.
