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Markram, Bavuma Lead South Africa’s Gritty Fightback in WTC Final at Lord’s
A Dramatic Day of Cricket Amid Global Chaos
Even as headlines around the world were dominated by tragedy — a fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad and a military strike in the Middle East — cricket provided a strange and resilient sense of normalcy. On Friday the 13th, with global tensions rising, the third day of the World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia unfolded at Lord’s with emotional intensity and poetic contrasts.
While the world mourned and worried, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma etched a memorable chapter in South African cricket’s Test history, pushing their team to the brink of a remarkable triumph.
A Morning of Missed Chances and Australian Resistance
The day began under dramatically clear skies, a sharp contrast to the gloomy overhead conditions of the previous two days. Australia resumed their innings at 218 runs ahead with two wickets in hand. Kagiso Rabada struck early, trapping Nathan Lyon in front to claim his ninth wicket of the match.
However, the Australian tail wagged fiercely. Mitchell Starc, combining with Josh Hazlewood, frustrated the Proteas for nearly two hours. The pair added 59 runs, with Starc scoring a valiant 53, before Hazlewood perished right at the stroke of lunch. Australia finished with a lead of 281, setting South Africa a daunting target of 282 runs — a score only once surpassed in successful chases at Lord’s, way back in 1984.
South Africa’s Rocky Start to the Run Chase
Early Wickets and Pressure Mounting
South Africa’s innings began with hope but quickly took a hit. Ryan Rickelton, fielding with remarkable energy in the morning, couldn’t channel the same discipline with the bat. He fell early, edging Mitchell Starc to the keeper.
Soon after, Wiaan Mulder, batting at No. 3, followed him back to the pavilion. Having struggled in the first innings, Mulder looked more composed this time but misjudged a drive and spooned a catch to cover. At 70/2, South Africa were under pressure, staring at a long uphill battle.
Markram and Bavuma Turn the Tide
Experience, Temperament and Sheer Will
With the match teetering on the edge, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram formed a partnership for the ages. Bavuma, playing his 110th Test innings, brought a sense of calmness and responsibility, even as he battled a hamstring niggle sustained mid-innings. Despite the physical discomfort, Bavuma soldiered on, finding his rhythm after tea and rotating the strike effectively.
Markram, on the other hand, produced one of the most aesthetically pleasing innings of his career. With precision footwork and elegant strokeplay, he reached a gritty century, raising his bat and wiping away tears in a rare public display of emotion. The duo added 143 unbeaten runs by stumps, taking South Africa to 213/2, just 69 runs away from a historic WTC title.
🔗 Read Also: WTC Final 2025 Full Match Coverage – Day 1 & 2 Highlights
A Chaotic Day for Australia: Injuries and Missed Opportunities
Australia, meanwhile, faced a series of setbacks. Veteran Steve Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his finger while attempting a catch at first slip. He left the field visibly in pain, further weakening Australia’s defense on a flattening pitch. Several edges and close calls went begging as the match tilted in South Africa’s favor.
Despite boasting a world-class bowling attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, the Aussies could not break through the composed South African duo. The pitch, having previously favored seamers, had now settled into ideal conditions for batting.
Poised for Glory: Can South Africa Finish the Job?
The final day of the Test is set to be a thriller. With just 69 runs needed, South Africa stand on the precipice of their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title. The Proteas have never won an ICC senior men’s event since 1998, and this opportunity comes with a weight of national hope.
Markram and Bavuma’s partnership is already one for the history books, not just for its context but for the sheer courage and quality on display. Should they complete the chase, it will go down as one of the most iconic final-day efforts in Test cricket.
🔗 More Info: Live Score and Updates – WTC Final Day 4 | ICC Official
Cricket’s Resilience Shines Amid Global Turmoil
On a day marred by global tragedy, Lord’s offered a brief sanctuary — a reminder of life’s fragile beauty and sport’s ability to inspire, even in dark times. As South Africa closes in on a once-unthinkable victory, Friday the 13th turned into a day of hope, strength, and unforgettable Test cricket.
