South Africa’s dream of hoisting their first ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title is closer than ever as Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma deliver a riveting masterclass at Lord’s. After Day 3, they stand just **69 runs away** from an unforgettable triumph, thanks to an unbeaten **143‑run partnership** under immense pressure.
### The Context: A Chance to Rewrite History
The Proteas have carried a label of “perennial chokers” since their last major ICC title in 1998. Their heart‑breaking losses in global finals—most recently the 2024 T20 WC—have weighed heavily. But today, they have a genuine shot at redemption
Their opponents? Australia—serial WTC champions—well‑prepared and battle‑hardened. Shortly after winning the toss, they posted 212 & 207 in their two innings, buoyed by Starc’s all‑round brilliance and Smith’s resolve . But their formidable bowling unit—Starc, Cummins, Lyon—stumbled before the composure of the Proteas duo.
### Day 3 Drama: Skill Meets Resilience
South Africa entered Day 3 needing 282 to win—a chase rarely achieved at Lord’s. A shaky start saw two early wickets lost to Starc, leaving them at 70–2 ([indiatoday.in][4]). Wiaan Mulder offered resistance, but it was **Markram (102*)*\* and **Bavuma (65*)*\* who anchored the chase with steely determination.
* **Markram** displayed timing and elegance, scoring his maiden Test ton at Lord’s in 156 balls, completing his **eighth Test hundred**.
* **Bavuma**, hobbling with a hamstring injury, showed grit to bring up his fifty in 83 balls, overcoming niggles and a dropped catch.
Their calculated partnership took South Africa from 43–4 on Day 2 to an imposing 213–2 at stumps—just 69 runs short of glory.
### Why This Matters
* **Breaking the Curse**: South Africa’s only major ICC silverware remains the 1998 Champions Trophy. A win here could reset their legacy (.
* **Historic Finals Performances**: Bavuma becomes the first Black African to captain and score a fifty in a major ICC final ([en.wikipedia.org][8]), while Markram cements his reputation with a headline‑making knock.
### What Went Right
1. **Batting on Flat Pitch**
A lifeless Day 3 pitch offered little to the bowlers. The usual ripples and bounce of Lord’s were absent, allowing the duo to take control.
2. **Resilience under Pressure**
Bavuma's grit and Markram’s flair formed a perfect blend of determination and grace. Their 143‑run stand was about more than batting—it was about healing a nation.
### Remaining Challenges
Even with momentum, South Africa must:
* Maintain concentration under looming nerves.
* Counter Australia’s potent bowling attack, especially with Smith out of the field.
* Overcome a history of late‑stage collapses ([washingtonpost.com][7]).
Australia, though battered, hasn’t conceded defeat. Pat Cummins and his team remain capable of staging a comeback—even from seemingly impossible situations ([indiatimes.com][9]).
### The Road Ahead: Final Day
With just 69 runs to win and eight wickets in hand, South Africa begin Day 4 as strong favourites—but with one foot in past memories of despair ([sacricketmag.com][10]).
A collective national sigh or uproar could greet them—they’ve earned this moment.
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### Final Verdict
In a grand final at Lord’s under stark summer skies, Markram and Bavuma have rewritten narratives—of former failures, of racial milestones, of psychological wounds. If South Africa holds its composure tomorrow, it won’t just be a win; it will be absolution.
**Key stats:**
* *Markram*: 102\* off 156 balls, 11 fours.
* *Bavuma*: 65\* from 83 balls.
* *Partnership*: 143 unbeaten runs.
* *Target*: 69 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Will South Africa finally silence history’s whispers? Lord's knows.
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