RELIVE ABSORBING DAY THREE AS SA CLOSE ON WTC FINAL WIN

Relive absorbing day three as SA close on WTC final win

Relive absorbing day three as SA close on WTC final win

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The 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s produced a dramatic Day 3, with South Africa seizing control thanks to a stunning batting display led by Aiden Markram’s century and Temba Bavuma’s gritty fifty. After two days of bowler dominance, the Proteas’ clinical chase of 282 has them on the cusp of a historic first WTC title, needing just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand. Australia, despite a resilient lower-order effort, face an uphill battle to defend their crown. For fans immersed in the action, platforms like starexch. offer a dynamic way to follow the thrilling conclusion. Here’s a detailed review of Day 3 and a prediction for Day 4.

Day 3 Review: South Africa Dominate with Markram’s Heroics

Day 3 at Lord’s saw a shift from the bowler-heavy narrative of the first two days, with only four wickets falling as batting conditions improved. South Africa’s chase of 282, set after Australia’s second innings ended at 207, was powered by Aiden Markram’s masterful 102* and Temba Bavuma’s resilient 65*, leaving them at 213/2 after 56 overs, just 69 runs shy of victory.

Australia’s Second Innings: Starc’s Resistance

Australia began Day 3 at 144/8, with a lead of 218. Mitchell Starc (58) and Josh Hazlewood (7) frustrated South Africa with a stubborn 59-run ninth-wicket stand, stretching the lead to 261 by lunch. Kagiso Rabada (3/46) finally ended the resistance, dismissing Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon fell soon after, leaving Australia bowled out for 207. Lungi Ngidi (3/35) and Marco Jansen (2 wickets) supported Rabada, but the extended tail-end partnership set South Africa a challenging target of 282, the fourth-highest successful chase at Lord’s.

South Africa’s Chase: Markram and Bavuma Shine

South Africa’s response was authoritative, with Aiden Markram leading the charge. After a duck in the first innings, Markram’s 102*—his eighth Test hundred and third in a fourth innings—put him in elite company alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Don Bradman. His fluent drives and composure against Australia’s pacers, particularly a flicked four off Hazlewood to reach his century, earned praise from AB de Villiers and other South African greats. Temba Bavuma, battling a hamstring issue, played a captain’s knock of 65*, anchoring a 149-run third-wicket stand with Markram. Despite limping between runs, Bavuma’s grit kept South Africa in control. Tony de Zorzi (25) fell early to Starc, and Wiaan Mulder (0) was dismissed, but the Proteas ended the day at 213/2, firmly in the driver’s seat. Australia’s bowlers, led by Cummins and Starc, struggled to break through on a pitch that offered less movement than Days 1 and 2.

Key Moments


  • Markram’s Milestone: Aiden Markram’s 102* made him the first South African to score a century and take a wicket in the same Test in England since Jacques Kallis in 2012, joining an elite Lord’s list with Michael Clarke (2009).

  • Bavuma’s Resilience: Despite a hamstring injury, Bavuma’s unbeaten 65 showed his toughness, earning praise from coach Ashwell Prince.

  • Starc-Hazlewood Stand: Australia’s 59-run ninth-wicket partnership pushed the target to 282, keeping them in the game.

  • Pitch Easing Up: Only four wickets fell on Day 3, a stark contrast to the 28 across the first two days, as batting conditions improved.


The Pitch and Conditions

The Lord’s pitch was more batsman-friendly on Day 3, with reduced seam movement under sunnier conditions. Cracks began to appear, offering slight turn for Nathan Lyon, but pace remained the primary threat. The evening session saw minimal swing, favoring South Africa’s confident batting.

 

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Day 4 Prediction: South Africa on the Brink

Day 4 is set to be a defining moment in the WTC Final 2025, with South Africa needing just 69 runs to end their 27-year ICC trophy drought and Australia requiring a miracle to defend their title. With rain forecast for the afternoon, the morning session could be decisive.

South Africa’s Path to Glory

South Africa are overwhelming favorites, with eight wickets in hand and Markram and Bavuma well-set. Markram’s form and Bavuma’s determination make them the backbone of the chase, but David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne are capable of finishing the job if needed. The Proteas must guard against complacency, as history shows no team has chased 282 at Lord’s successfully. Avoiding early losses against Starc and Cummins in the first hour will be key. If South Africa maintain their Day 3 composure, they could wrap up the chase before lunch, securing their first WTC title and a $3.6 million prize.

Key Players to Watch:

  • Aiden Markram: His unbeaten 102* puts him in prime position to guide South Africa to victory.

  • Temba Bavuma: Despite injury, his 65* shows he can anchor the innings under pressure.

  • Kagiso Rabada: If South Africa win early, Rabada’s 17th Test five-for and wickets on Day 3 could earn him Player of the Match honors.


Australia’s Last Stand

Australia need a dramatic collapse to stay alive, with their pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood needing to strike early. Nathan Lyon could exploit the pitch’s cracks, but his impact has been limited so far (1 over on Day 1). A target of 69 runs is defendable if Australia can dismiss Markram or Bavuma in the first hour, but their bowlers looked toothless late on Day 3. Social media sentiment suggests some fans still back Australia for a close finish, predicting a margin of fewer than 5 runs or 2 wickets, but this seems optimistic given South Africa’s dominance.

Key Players to Watch:

  • Pat Cummins: After his 6/28, Cummins must lead with early breakthroughs.

  • Mitchell Starc: His ability to swing the ball could trouble South Africa’s batsmen.

  • Nathan Lyon: With cracks widening, Lyon’s spin could be Australia’s last hope.


Tactical Battles

  • Australia’s Early Burst vs. South Africa’s Top Order: Can Cummins and Starc remove Markram or Bavuma to spark a collapse?

  • Lyon’s Spin vs. Pitch Conditions: Will the cracks offer enough turn to make Lyon a threat?

  • South Africa’s Patience: Avoiding risky shots early will ensure the Proteas maintain their grip.


Weather and Pitch Outlook

Rain is forecast for the afternoon of Day 4, potentially bringing the reserve day (June 16) into play if play is significantly disrupted. The pitch remains good for batting but is showing signs of wear, with cracks likely to assist Lyon and Keshav Maharaj if the match extends. The morning session, starting at 3:30 PM IST (10:30 AM local time), will be critical.

Prediction for Day 4

South Africa are poised to clinch the WTC Final 2025, likely completing the chase of 69 runs within the first session, barring a catastrophic collapse. Markram and Bavuma’s form, combined with eight wickets in hand, makes them favorites to lift the mace and end their ICC title drought. Australia’s only chance lies in early wickets from Cummins and Starc, but the pitch’s improved batting conditions and South Africa’s confidence tilt the scales heavily in their favor. A South African victory by 6-8 wickets before lunch is the most likely outcome, though rain could delay the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Day 3 of the WTC Final 2025 showcased South Africa’s resilience, with Markram’s century and Bavuma’s grit putting them on the verge of history. Australia’s bowlers face a near-impossible task to turn the tide. As the Proteas chase their first ICC title since 1998, fans can follow the thrilling conclusion on platforms like starexch and best cricket exchange sites. With $3.6 million and the Test mace at stake, Day 4 promises an unforgettable climax at the Home of Cricket.

 

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