South Africa nears victory in 2025 ICC WTC Final as Markram and Bavuma lead chase of 282. At 213/2 in 56 overs, they need just 69 more runs to win.
Thanks to solid batting by Markram and Bavuma, South Africa is now just 69 runs away from victory. Australia had given a target of 282, and in 56 overs South Africa has scored 213 for 2, moving steadily towards a win.
Proteas on the Brink: South Africa’s Dramatic Chase in the WTC Final
In a nail-biting showdown at Lord’s, South Africa find themselves just 69 runs away from a historic breakthrough: their first ICC World Test Championship title.
Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century (102)* and the grit of captain Temba Bavuma (65)* have kept the Proteas in striking distance after three enthralling days of top-tier Test cricket.
The High-Stakes Chase Unfolds
After bowling out Australia for 207 in their second innings, South Africa began the chase of 282 with momentum riding high.
Aiden Markram’s flawless hundred—his eighth in Tests—showcased concentration and technique under immense pressure, while Bavuma’s match-winning contribution, despite a troublesome hamstring, anchored the middle overs.
The pair built a commanding partnership that stabilized the chase—crucial after earlier batting collapses.
Despite attempts by Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne to break their rhythm, the duo remained composed, guiding South Africa to 213/2 by close of play on Day 3.
Just eighteen overs into the day, they face a four-run sprint to glory, with rain clouds looming overhead.
Markram and Bavuma: A Partnership for the Ages
Captain & Vice Captain leading
Temba Bavuma’s captaincy and resilience have been a revelation. He took a blinder in the slips and balanced his own crease with Markram’s flair.
Markram, determined to redress mistakes from earlier in the match, came out on fire—displaying intent usually reserved for white-ball cricket but adapted perfectly to Test timing.
Their synergy has been extraordinary.
Aiden to Temba communication throughout has kept the momentum alive, and their contrasting styles—Markram’s strokeplay and Bavuma’s steadiness—have complemented each other beautifully.
It’s a stand that may define their cricketing careers and ignite a new era for Proteas Test cricket.
Australia’s Valiant Fightback
Australia had looked well on course after bowling out South Africa for a sizeable total, thanks to a fiery late-order partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood that nearly pulled them back into contention.
Mitchell Starc (58) and Hazelwood (17) added a defiant 59-run tenth-wicket stand, setting a challenging platform.
However, the Proteas bowlers fought back, and when the chips were down, this bowling attack—and their captain—responded superbly.
Their second-innings total of 207 did enough to force South Africa into a clutch chase scenario where pressure reigns supreme.
Yet in the end, South Africa’s batting depth has been the decider.
Weather: The Unseen Rival
England’s unpredictable weather once again threatens to play a spoilsport at Lord’s.
Forecasts suggest a warm and partly sunny morning, ballooning into heavy cloud cover by mid-match, with a 55% chance of drizzle in the early session.
Gusty winds also persist, potentially impacting swing and shot-making conditions.
With rain warnings mid-play and a yellow alert for thunderstorms overnight, the chase’s later phases might face interruptions.
Crucially, if weather eats into playtime, an extra Day 6 might be triggered—but with only 69 runs left, South Africa are well within reach to wrap things up in this final session.
Players to Watch
- Aiden Markram: A standout performer with a classy century, now on the cusp of a final-winning knock.
- Temba Bavuma: Leading from the front, displaying grit with both bat and leadership.
- Pat Cummins & Marnus Labuschagne: Australia’s best hope to break the partnership with breakthroughs under pressure.
- Mitchell Starc: After pulling Australia back with his late-innings heroics, Starc may be key again.
History in the Making
If South Africa cross the finish line, it will be:
Embed from Getty Images- Their first ICC World Test title—capping a dominant tournament run, including seven straight wins to reach this final.
- A monumental moment for South African cricket, which has faced its share of challenges since readmission to international cricket.
- A blow to Australia’s ambition of back-to-back WTC championships from 2019 onwards—their first ICC final loss in nearly 50 years.
The lingering question:
If South Africa can defy the odds under fading light, will this be one of cricket’s greatest fairy-tale victories?
Final WTC Movement
It’s a thrilling, tense, and electric atmosphere at Lord’s.
With only 69 runs needed and two top batters standing tall, South Africa’s victory feels within reach—but Lord’s is known for turning drama into legend.Rain may threaten, but if Markram and Bavuma remain unbroken, history beckons.