WTC Final 2025: Markram Century, Bavuma Heroics Push South Africa Towards Glory

Markram, Bavuma Take South Africa to Brink of Historic WTC Final Triumph

Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma Lead South Africa's Charge in WTC Final at Lord’s

In a match brimming with intensity, momentum shifts, and historical weight, Aiden Markram’s gritty century and Temba Bavuma’s determined 65 not out* have put South Africa within touching distance of a monumental victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Chasing 282 — which would be the second-highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Lord’s history — the Proteas closed Day Four on 213/2, just 69 runs away from clinching their first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy. The unbroken third-wicket partnership between Markram and Bavuma, worth 143 runs, has shifted the final decisively in South Africa’s favor — setting up a potential fairy-tale ending to a riveting contest.

Scores in Brief

Australia:
212 all out (Webster 72, Smith 66; Rabada 5/51)
207 all out (Starc 58*, Carey 43; Rabada 4/59, Ngidi 3/38)

South Africa:
138 all out (Bedingham 45; Cummins 6/28)
213/2 in 56 overs (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*; Starc 2/53)

South Africa need 69 runs to win with 8 wickets in hand.

Starc Fires Early, But South Africa Hold Steady

Australia began the day seemingly in control, thanks to Mitchell Starc’s half-century which added vital runs to their overnight lead. His defiance at No. 11, alongside Josh Hazlewood, frustrated the South Africans, especially after Nathan Lyon fell early to Kagiso Rabada, who once again showcased his lethal touch with the red ball.

Starc’s innings wasn’t without drama — dropped by Marco Jansen the previous evening, he made South Africa pay, reaching 58* as he guided Australia’s innings to 207. Hazlewood eventually departed to a sharp catch off Aiden Markram’s part-time off-spin, and the target of 282 was set — a challenge steeped in history and pressure.

South Africa’s Nerves Tested Early

With such a significant prize on the line, the Proteas’ chase began in nervy fashion. Ryan Rickelton, who had looked vulnerable in the first innings, again succumbed early — caught behind off a typical Starc away-seamer that drew a loose drive.

But from there, composure and clarity replaced uncertainty. Markram, joined by Wiaan Mulder, absorbed the initial pressure and guided South Africa past 50 inside 13 overs. The duo seemed to play with freedom missing from the first innings, rotating strike with ease and pouncing on anything remotely loose.

However, Starc struck again to remove Mulder for 26, caught by Marnus Labuschagne at cover. That brought Bavuma to the crease, hampered by a lingering hamstring issue but filled with resolve.

Bavuma’s Lucky Escape Turns Into Gritty Knock

Bavuma had an early scare on just two when Steve Smith, positioned unusually close under the helmet at second slip, dropped a tough chance. Worse, the Australian vice-captain dislocated his finger in the process and had to leave the field — a blow to Australia’s balance and morale.

Taking full advantage, Bavuma weathered Starc’s pace, Cummins’ precision, and Lyon’s turn with admirable patience. Though clearly uncomfortable, he didn’t let his injury define his batting. Bavuma unfurled a series of elegant drives and sweeps, bringing up his half-century off 83 balls, drawing loud cheers from the Lord’s crowd.

Markram’s Century Lights Up Lord’s

At the other end, Aiden Markram was the embodiment of calm and class. Having endured a jittery patch in the 90s — spending 23 balls stuck in that zone — he finally reached his century with a majestic whip through mid-wicket off Hazlewood, raising his arms to a jubilant dressing room.

Markram’s knock, which included 14 boundaries, has been a masterclass in temperament. His confidence grew with every over, and his ability to place strokes between Australia’s spread-out field was central to South Africa’s serene progress. His 69-ball half-century had already set the tone, but the century, achieved just before stumps, might go down as one of the most impactful innings in Proteas history.

Australia Left Searching for Inspiration

While Australia still hold a slim chance, the absence of Steve Smith in the field and a lack of penetration in the final session have left them with few options. Pat Cummins rotated his bowlers intelligently, but South Africa’s batters gave very few opportunities.

Even Nathan Lyon, who might have hoped to exploit the Day 5 pitch, looked largely ineffective, aside from a half-chance Bavuma offered with a misjudged slog sweep. Substitute fielder Sam Konstas couldn't get there in time, and the ball rolled to the fence, adding to Australia’s frustration.

History Beckons for the Proteas

No South African men’s team has ever lifted an ICC title in the Test format, and the scars of previous heartbreaks — be it 1999, 2015 or 2019 — are well known. But under Bavuma’s brave leadership and Markram’s brilliance, South Africa now stand on the edge of history.

As they walk back into the dressing room, 69 runs away from glory, the tension is palpable. The atmosphere at Lord’s is set for a gripping final morning — one that could change the narrative of South African cricket forever.