The equation heading into the fourth day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s is deceptively simple: South Africa need 69 runs to win, Australia need eight wickets to retain their crown.
But this isn’t just about runs or wickets. When the Proteas resume their second innings at 213/2 on Saturday, they’ll be fighting not only Australia, but history itself.
South Africa have never won a global ICC tournament — a fact etched painfully into their cricketing psyche. Their journey through international cricket has often been accompanied by the haunting tag of ‘chokers’. Now, on the hallowed turf of Lord’s, they are within touching distance of rewriting that narrative.
This would mean everything. Not just to us out there or the fans here, but to everyone back home... To see how long it’s taken for this country to hold some sort of ICC final trophy in their hands... It’s a very special feeling. So special.
That sense of destiny was brought closer by a resolute and brilliant century from Aiden Markram, who stood tall with an unbeaten 102 off 156 balls, guiding South Africa to the brink of a monumental triumph in the fourth innings chase of 282.
After a jittery start to the chase — losing Ryan Rickelton early and Wiaan Mulder to a mistimed drive — Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma combined for an unbroken 143-run stand.
Bavuma, despite suffering a hamstring injury mid-innings, displayed grit and class in his unbeaten 65 off 121 balls, hobbling through runs before tea and showing the kind of leadership that defines champions.
Super-special partnership between Markram and Bavuma. Both have been through a lot of adversity in the last two years. They’ve pushed themselves.
Markram’s century, his eighth in Test cricket, came in the final over of Day 3 — a statement of intent that capped a dominant day for the Proteas. Australia, despite being in the ascendancy early, were left hoping for a miracle.
Earlier in the day, Mitchell Starc had nearly tilted the match Australia’s way. After South Africa were bowled out for just 138 in the first innings — replying to Australia’s 212 — Starc scored a fighting 58 not out, and stitched a vital 59-run last-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood to push Australia’s lead to a competitive 281.
He then struck twice early with the ball, removing Rickelton and Mulder to reduce South Africa to 70/2, evoking memories of previous Proteas collapses on big occasions.
But Markram was unshaken. Precise in shot selection and calm under pressure, he defied the odds, capitalised on favourable batting conditions, and made Australia toil.
The chase took away the fear of failure. Shukri (Conrad, head coach) said we’ll have to pursue the target, whatever it is.
Injuries added to the drama of an already absorbing Test. Bavuma’s hamstring strain forced him to run with visible discomfort, yet he continued unfazed. For Australia, veteran Steve Smith was rushed to hospital after suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger, attempting to catch Bavuma when the South African captain was on just two.
Earlier in the day, Rabada and Ngidi cleaned up the Australian tail, with Rabada finishing with 4-59 and Ngidi claiming 3-38. But it was Starc’s late hitting that stretched the lead beyond 280 and gave Australia hope.
That hope now rests on their ability to pull off a miraculous turnaround on the final day. No team has ever retained the WTC title — a feat Australia now desperately seek. But South Africa, unbeaten in their last seven Tests leading up to the final, appear finally ready to shed the ghosts of the past.
Not to get ahead, but to nearly get there… it’s a very special feeling.
Come Saturday, the Proteas could finally bury decades of disappointment — and lift the elusive ICC trophy their fans have long dreamt of.
Brief Scores: Australia 212 & 207 in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38); South Africa 138 & 213/2 in 56 overs (Aiden Markram 102, Temba Bavuma 65; Mitchell Starc 2-53); South Africa need 69 runs to win with eight wickets in hand.
