Aiden Markram Helps South Africa Close In on World Test Championship Win
As day three of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s drew to a close, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma propelled South Africa to within 69 runs of a rare and long-awaited victory. Their crucial partnership has shifted the momentum firmly in their favour—and triggered hopeful conversations about the Proteas finally ending their ICC title drought.
Historic Context: World Test Championship & Proteas’ Pursuit
Introduced in 2019, the World Test Championship (WTC) represents Test cricket’s pinnacle, culminating in a biennial final between the top two ranked sides. South Africa’s appearance in the 2025 final marks their first-ever entrance into the WTC final, setting the stage for a potential milestone in their cricket history news.
Previously, the Proteas’ only ICC men’s title was the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy—now, nearly 27 years later, they are on course for their first major champion’s wicket. On the flip side, Australia arrived at Lord’s as defending WTC champions, seeking back‑to‑back triumphs—a testament to their enduring strength in Test cricket .
Day 3 at Lord’s: Turning Point
Australia Sets a Tough Target
Australia resumed on day three with a second-innings total of 207, thanks in part to Mitchell Starc’s unbeaten 58-run cameo. That late resistance pushed the total closer to 282, setting South Africa an imposing chase theguardian.com.
Markram and Bavuma Forge a Legacy Partnership
After Australia’s tail was wrapped up early, South Africa’s chase began. Ryan Rickelton fell cheaply, but the Proteas soon discovered their footing. Markram, having returned to form after a century drought, and Bavuma crafted a commanding stand.
By stumps, the scoreboard read 213‑2, with Markram unbeaten on 102 and Bavuma on 65, leaving just 69 more runs required for victory sports.yahoo.
Notably, this 143-run unbroken partnership was the highest stand of the match—an extraordinary feat given Australia’s world-class bowling arsenal aljazeera.
A Century for the Ages: Markram’s Masterstroke
From Flashes to Foundations
Markram’s journey to this century is as compelling as the knock itself. Initially hailed as a prodigy—three centuries and two 90s in his first six months—a slump followed. The talented batter was even dropped twice before being recalled in early 2023, when coach Shukri Conrad saw renewed promise reuters.
Since returning, Aiden Markram had regained red‑ball form, scoring centuries against the West Indies and India. Yet, he fell goalless in 16 Test innings leading up to this WTC final—until day three at Lord’s, when he smashed records and silenced doubts icc-cricket.
A Historic Achievement
Markram’s 102 not out is not just another Test ton—it is the first-ever century by a South African in an ICC tournament final timesofindia. Flip through cricket history, and this innings stands alongside legends like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge, securing his place in elite company .
Michael Vaughan and Dale Steyn lauded the delivery as “one of the finest tons in a final,” and Steyn’s jubilant exclamation—“S A U C E 100!!!!!!!!!”—echoed the sentiment across social media hindustantimes.com.
Intelligent Cricket in Pressure Moments
Markram’s knock was more than just runs—it was crafted under pressure, paced with maturity. Eleven boundaries veiled intelligent shot selection, impeccable footwork, and rotation of strike. His late cut off Starc, threading two fielders, was the hallmark of a batter with supreme spatial awareness .
Bavuma’s Battle: Leading in Pain
Bavuma’s leadership and resolve were equally commendable. Battling a strained hamstring, he struggled to run, yet found ways to rotate the strike and play his shots. Hobbling and wincing with each run, the South African captain exemplified leadership through grit—a performance praised by assistant coach Daniel Vettori and batting coach Ashwell Prince alike outlookindia.
Their 143-run partnership not only steadied the innings but established the platform for the Proteas’ climb to victory sports.
The Chokers Tag: A Past to Shed
South Africa’s sporting narrative has long been overshadowed by the “chokers” label—tied to multiple ICC disappointments from the 2003 World Cup semi-final loss to India’s 2024 T20 final defeat reuters.
But confidence is rising. Coach Conrad emphasized calm and routine focus, while Ashwell Prince underlined belief in their own ability timesofindia. Now, as Lord’s sets the stage for their potential redemption, the Proteas are determined to fulfill their promise.
Reactions: Praise from Across the Globe
- Australia’s Assistant Coach Daniel Vettori recognized the brilliance of Markram and Bavuma’s partnership in shifting the game timesofindia.
- Ashwell Prince, echoing sentiments across South Africa, called Markram “a man for the big occasion” and hailed the century’s match-winning importance sports.
- The Guardian called their stand “stunning,” noting it may trigger Australia’s nightmare of a late collapse theguardian.com.
Day 4: The Final Push
Just 69 runs away from a monumental win, South Africa steps into day four at Lord’s. The challenge is clear: maintain discipline, stay calm, and finish the chase.
The Aussies aren’t backing down. Mitchell Starc’s show of resilience with the ball remains a threat, and Pat Cummins & Nathan Lyon likely to regroup. Yet today, the advantage lies with the Proteas.
If South Africa closes it out, it will be their first ICC title since 1998, and their first WTC conquerors—effectively rewriting their sporting legacy.
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Further Reading
- ICC Official Report: In‑depth analysis and stats from the WTC final.
- South Africa’s ICC History: A retrospective on their past successes and heartbreaks (1998 & 2003).
- Lord’s Cricket Ground: Why this venue remains a temple of Test cricket.
Conclusion
Aiden Markram century and Temba Bavuma’s resilience have propelled South Africa to the cusp of an unforgettable triumph in the World Test Championship final. As Lord’s readies for day four, the Proteas have an historic opportunity to rewrite their legacy—banishing the “chokers” tag and elevating their status in cricket lore.
Stay tuned. History could be made tomorrow.