WTC Final 2025: Day 3 Report — Markram & Bavuma Take SA to the Brink of History
- googlyguide
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Stumps Day 3: South Africa 213/2 (Target: 282)
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 all out
A Day of Twists, Turns & Resilience
Day 3 at Lord’s delivered pure Test cricket theatre. Australia, resuming at 144/8, were looking to stretch their lead — and thanks to Mitchell Starc’s fighting 50, they managed to post 207, setting a target of 282 for South Africa.
The Proteas' bowlers wrapped up the innings quickly after removing Lyon early, but Starc’s late counterattack gave the Aussies a faint lifeline in this fiercely contested final.
Markram’s Patience, Bavuma’s Poise
What followed was a masterclass in fourth-innings batting. Aiden Markram, playing the innings of his life, dug in deep with an unbeaten 102 off 159 balls, anchoring South Africa's run chase with remarkable grit and focus.
At the other end, skipper Temba Bavuma rose to the occasion with a commanding 65 off 121, guiding the chase with calm authority. The duo stitched a game-defining partnership, frustrating the Australian bowlers and silencing the crowd at Lord’s.
By stumps, South Africa had marched to 213/2, just 69 runs away from their maiden ICC title.
Can Australia Pull Off a Miracle?
With just 8 wickets left and 69 runs to defend, Australia face an uphill battle on Day 4. They’ll need early wickets and perhaps a touch of magic to deny South Africa the biggest prize in Test cricket.
But for now, South Africa are firmly in control — on the cusp of rewriting history.
Match Summary at Stumps Day 3
Australia 1st Innings: 212
South Africa 1st Innings: 138 all out
Australia 2nd Innings: 207 all out
Starc 58* (136)
Rabada 4/59, Ngidi 3/38
South Africa 2nd Innings: 213/2
Markram 102* (159), Bavuma 65* (121)
Target: 282
Stay Tuned
The ICC WTC Final 2025 could crown a new champion tomorrow.
Will South Africa hold their nerve?
Follow Googly Guide for Day 4 coverage.
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