Thanks to a magnificent century by Aiden Markram and a composed half-century by Temba Bavuma, South Africa has established a b position against Australia on the third day of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. South Africa reached 213 runs for the loss of two wickets.
Sports News: The third day of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final was filled with excitement, as South Africa, chasing the target against Australia, almost secured the match. Chasing a target of 282 runs, South Africa reached 213 runs for the loss of only two wickets by the end of the third day's play, needing just 69 more runs to create history.
Markram and Bavuma's Unbroken 143-Run Partnership
After losing two early wickets, the South African team was under pressure. However, the composure and confidence displayed by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma completely changed the course of the match. Together, they forged an unbeaten partnership of 143 runs, pushing the Australian bowlers onto the back foot. Markram remained unbeaten on 102 runs, celebrating a century, while captain Bavuma provided b support with his 65 runs.
This partnership is significant not only for the number of runs but also for the pressure it overcame and the controlled play displayed on the grand stage of the WTC Final, making it a historic moment.
Australia Sets a 282-Run Target in Second Innings
Australia resumed their innings on the third day at 145/8 and, thanks to a courageous half-century by Mitchell Starc (58 not out) and Alex Carey's 43 runs, reached 207 runs. Adding this to their first-innings lead of 69 runs, they set South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs.
Starc, along with the lower order, battled resolutely, anchoring one end and pushing the score to a respectable total. Partnerships with Hazlewood (17 runs), Lyon, and Carey added more than 80 runs from the lower order.
First Innings Summary: Bowlers Dominate
Both teams found themselves on the back foot in the first innings of this match. Australia, batting first, managed only 212 runs. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 138, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 69 runs. Kagiso Rabada bowled brilliantly for South Africa, taking four wickets, while Lungi Ngidi also troubled the Kangaroo batsmen with three wickets.
Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder each took a wicket. Interestingly, Aiden Markram also contributed with the ball, taking a crucial wicket. South Africa is now just 69 runs away from victory with eight wickets in hand. This is the same team that has never before reached the final of the Test Championship, and now stands on the verge of creating history.
