WTC Final: South Africa on Cusp of History, Need 69 Runs to Stun Australia at Lord’s
In a gripping turn of events at the Home of Cricket, South Africa stand just 69 runs away from etching their name in the annals of Test history. On Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, Aiden Markram’s resilient century and captain Temba Bavuma’s courageous knock have brought the Proteas tantalizingly close to chasing down a daunting 282-run target against reigning champions Australia. This, if successful, would mark the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s and the highest in over four decades.
At stumps, South Africa were sitting pretty at 213 for 2, with Markram unbeaten on a gritty 102 after a duck in the first innings, and Bavuma, despite a nagging hamstring injury, standing firm on 65 not out. Their unbeaten 143-run partnership for the third wicket has shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor, offering a glimmer of hope to shed the unwanted ‘chokers’ tag that has haunted them in ICC events for years. A victory here would be their first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy and a monumental moment for a nation starved of global silverware.
“This stand between Aiden and Temba is one for the ages in South African cricket, but we’re not over the line yet,” cautioned batting coach Ashwell Prince, tempering the soaring expectations of fans worldwide. Indeed, history beckons, but the final hurdle remains. Lord’s has witnessed only four successful chases above 200 runs in Test cricket, with the highest being West Indies’ iconic 342-run chase in 1984 against England, powered by Gordon Greenidge’s unbeaten double century. If South Africa pull this off, they’ll be scripting a narrative almost as legendary.
Stat Spotlight: Highest Successful Run Chases at Lord’s
– 342 by West Indies (344/1) vs England, 1984
– 282 by England (282/3) vs New Zealand, 2004
– 277 by England (279/5) vs New Zealand, 2022
– 216 by England (218/3) vs New Zealand, 1965
– 191 by England (193/5) vs West Indies, 2012
Earlier on Day 3, Australia appeared to have a firm grip on proceedings. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc contributed with a brisk fifty to extend their lead and struck early with the ball, claiming two quick wickets to leave South Africa reeling. However, as the famous Lord’s sun emerged, batting conditions improved, and Markram and Bavuma seized the opportunity with freedom and fearlessness. Young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder revealed post-day that the team’s mantra after a disappointing first innings of just 189 was to play with intent—a strategy that has clearly paid dividends.
Yet, the battle is far from over. Australia, who clinched the inaugural WTC title in 2021, still have a window of opportunity with the second new ball due early on Day 4. Skipper Pat Cummins and his bowling unit, including the ever-dangerous Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, will be desperate to break this partnership and defend their crown. For South Africa, it’s about maintaining composure under pressure—something they’ve struggled with in crunch moments historically.
As the cricket world braces for a blockbuster finish, all eyes are on Markram and Bavuma to steer their side to glory. Can South Africa rewrite history on Day 4 and claim a victory that has eluded them for decades? Or will Australia’s champion spirit prevail once more? One thing is certain—the drama at Lord’s promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats till the very last ball.