South Africa stand on the threshold of history. With just 69 runs separating them from their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, they owe their commanding position to an exceptional century from Aiden Markram and a courageous half-century by Temba Bavuma. On a day when resilience, temperament, and class combined, South Africa took significant strides towards achieving glory in a format that has often eluded them.
The equation is now tantalizingly simple. One good session with the bat on the fourth morning, and they will finally have their hands on a piece of global cricketing silverware, something generations of South African cricketers have dreamt of but never achieved. Against an Australian side known for its relentlessness, South Africa produced one of their most composed batting efforts in recent memory.
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Markram and Bavuma Craft a Partnership for the Ages
Coming together with the match delicately poised, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma batted with maturity that spoke of their experience and a burning desire to etch their names into cricket folklore. Their second-wicket stand of 143 runs in just 38 overs was not just about accumulating runs—it was about control, awareness, and composure under pressure.
Markram’s innings was a masterclass in shot selection and placement. Reaching his eighth Test century in the final stages of the day, he looked every bit a batter in total command of his craft. His 156-ball ton was punctuated by glorious boundaries, including a precise back-cut off Mitchell Starc that dissected the field with surgical accuracy. His innings peaked with a textbook straight drive against Josh Hazlewood to move to 97, before whipping one through midwicket to bring up three figures.
At the other end, Bavuma’s story was one of grit and defiance. Battling a painful hamstring injury sustained shortly before tea, the South African skipper combined sheer willpower with elegant stroke-play. Limping between the wickets, Bavuma’s determination to stay at the crease exemplified the spirit that has defined South African cricket through decades of heartbreak and near misses on the global stage.
There was drama along the way. Bavuma was handed a life on just 2 when he edged Starc to first slip, where Steven Smith, standing close and wearing a helmet due to the low carry, spilled the chance. The drop was compounded by personal agony for Smith, who suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger in the process, leaving the field visibly distressed. By day’s end, his physical pain may have been matched by the emotional toll of what might be a decisive moment in the match.
Australia’s Missed Opportunities and Smith’s Misfortune
Australia had their chances. The dismissal of Ryan Rickelton early in the innings, confirmed by the third umpire after edging a Starc delivery, briefly gave them hope of a collapse. When Wiaan Mulder fell to a sharp catch at cover—again off Starc—it felt like Cummins’ men were beginning to exert pressure.
However, the pivotal missed opportunity with Bavuma’s edge could yet prove to be the moment this Test swung decisively in South Africa’s favor. The sight of Smith leaving the ground grimacing in pain was not just a personal blow but a symbolic one for Australia, representing a side battling not only their opponents but also their own misfortunes.
Captain Pat Cummins rotated his bowlers tirelessly, searching for breakthroughs. Nathan Lyon found occasional purchase from the rough, troubling Bavuma and coming within inches of a breakthrough when Bavuma top-edged him on 43. Substitute fielder Sam Konstas gave a valiant chase but couldn’t complete the catch, ending up sprawled on the turf with a face full of grass. Travis Head’s occasional off-spin also posed brief questions to Markram, but none could produce the vital breakthrough needed.
Starc and Hazlewood’s Defiant Stand Extends Australia’s Resistance
Earlier in the day, it was Australia’s last-wicket pair of Starc and Hazlewood who frustrated South Africa and dragged their side to a fighting total. Resuming with a modest lead, the partnership of 59 in 22 overs extended the Australian advantage past 280, providing at least a glimmer of hope for their bowlers.
Starc, often inconsistent with the bat despite obvious talent, showed determination, registering his first Test half-century since 2019. Facing 131 balls, it was his second-longest innings by deliveries faced in Test cricket, underscoring his ability to rise to the occasion when needed. Hazlewood, meanwhile, proved yet again why he’s no mug with the bat. His ramp shot off Marco Jansen over the slip cordon was one of the more audacious strokes of the partnership, showcasing a player who has consistently frustrated oppositions with the bat in hand.
Ultimately, it was Markram himself who broke the stand, getting Hazlewood to drive loosely to cover. The innings had defied expectations, hinting at the improving conditions for batting as the game progressed.
One Session Away from Immortality
As stumps were drawn on the third day, the South African dressing room would have been filled with cautious optimism. They have been here before—close to global titles but unable to cross the line. Yet this time feels different. With Markram still unbeaten and Bavuma refusing to yield, South Africa can sense that elusive moment of triumph.
“Aiden was brilliant out there. He made it easier for me to just hang around,” Bavuma said at the close of play, reflecting the team’s sense of unity and shared purpose.
The fourth day now holds the weight of decades of hope for South Africa. One good session could finally break the glass ceiling. For Australia, only a miracle will suffice.
It’s South Africa’s match to lose. After all the heartbreaks, near-misses, and cruel twists of fate—this might just be their time.
Brief Scores
Brief scores: South Africa 138 & 213/2 (Aiden Markram 102*, Temba Bavuma 65*; Mitchell Starc 2-53) need 69 runs to win against Australia 212 & 207.
What Lies Ahead on Day 4
Day 4 promises to be a gripping finale, with South Africa needing just 69 more runs to claim their maiden WTC title. With Aiden Markram well set and Temba Bavuma showing immense grit despite his injury, the Proteas will aim for a steady, risk-free approach in the opening session. Australia, however, will come hard with the new ball, hoping for early breakthroughs to trigger panic in the South African camp. Expect attacking fields, sharp bouncers, and relentless pressure from Pat Cummins and his bowlers. One partnership could seal it for South Africa; one inspired spell could bring Australia roaring back.
FAQs
How many runs does South Africa need to win the WTC 2025 Final?
South Africa require just 69 more runs to secure their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title.
Who were the standout performers for South Africa on Day 3?
Aiden Markram scored a brilliant century (his 8th in Tests), while Temba Bavuma battled through a hamstring injury to notch a crucial half-century.
What was the turning point of the day?
The major turning point came when Steven Smith dropped Bavuma on 2 at first slip, suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger in the process. That missed opportunity allowed Bavuma to build a game-changing partnership with Markram.
How did Australia’s last-wicket partnership impact the match?
Mitchell Starc (50) and Josh Hazlewood (20) combined for a stubborn 59-run stand, extending Australia’s lead to 282 and giving their bowlers something to work with.
When will the WTC 2025 Final likely be decided?
The result is expected to be determined early on Day 4, with South Africa needing a strong first session to seal the championship, barring a miraculous Australian comeback.
