नवीनतम
WTC Final : SA 69 runs away from history
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: South Africa have inched ever closer to victory on Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia at Lord's.
South Africa opener Aiden Markram recovered from a first innings duck to slam a glorious century, while captain Temba Bavuma fought through injury to stay unbeaten on 65 at Stumps on Day 3.
SA reached 213/2, and need just 69 runs more to chase down the target of 282, and clinch their first WTC title.
Earlier in the day, Australia were bowled out for 207 in their second innings after resuming at 123 for 6. Mitchell Starc waged a lone battle, smashing a resilient 58 not out, and forging a crucial 59-run last-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood (17), which helped stretch the lead to 287.
Australia struck an early blow in South Africa’s chase when Starc removed Ryan Rickelton for six in the third over, reviving hopes of a collapse similar to the Proteas' first-innings effort. But Markram and Wiaan Mulder stitched together a composed 85-run partnership that stabilised the innings. Mulder contributed a useful 27 before falling to Starc, skying a catch to Marnus Labuschagne at cover.
With just 69 runs separating South Africa from Test cricket’s ultimate prize, and eight wickets still in hand, Saturday could well mark a historic dawn for the Proteas.
