Markram-Bavuma’s collective century brings South Africa one step closer to a historic win in the WTC final
WTC Final 2025 – Day Three Key Highlights
On day three at Lord’s, the ICC World Test Championship final witnessed several pivotal moments that dramatically shifted the momentum in favour of South Africa while putting defending champions Australia under pressure:
1. Tributes with Black Armbands and Silence
On the morning of June 13, both teams, support staff, and officials observed a one-minute silence and wore black armbands in memory of the 241 victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. It was a sombre yet powerful display of solidarity from the cricketing community .
2. Smith’s Dropped Catch and Finger Injury
In the 20th over, Steve Smith attempted a slip catch on Temba Bavuma but dropped it—and in the process sustained a compound dislocation of his right little finger. He was forced off the field for treatment and is no longer participating in fielding duties, dealing a blow to Australia’s campaign .
3. Starc’s Fighting Fifty from No. 9
Australia resumed their second innings at 144/8, but Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood added a gritty 59-run partnership, with Starc unbeaten on 58. It marked Starc’s most valuable batting contribution in Test cricket, helping stretch the total to 207 .
4. Australia Recovering After Collapse
Despite losing 7 wickets for just 73 runs, Australia managed to reach 207 in their second innings—the third time in Test history a team has crossed 200 after such a collapse .
5. Markram’s Historic Century
In a stunning display, South Africa’s Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten 102 in the fourth innings—the first century by a South African in any ICC final. He and captain Temba Bavuma (65*, despite a hamstring strain) shared an unbroken 143‑run partnership, setting South Africa up for victory .
6. End of Day Three – Match Situation
- Australia’s 2nd innings: 207 all‑out (Starc 58*).
- South Africa’s chase: 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*) at stumps.
- Target: 282; South Africa needs just 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand .
Game-Changing Moments
| Moment | Impact |
|---|---|
| Smith’s injury | The dropped catch allowed Bavuma to build a partnership that swung the match—Smith is off the field with a serious finger injury . |
| Black armbands & silence | A touching show of respect before play, uniting both sides in grief . |
| Markram & Bavuma stand | A 143-run partnership that placed South Africa firmly on the path to victory . |
Summary & Looking Ahead
Day three belonged to South Africa. Markram’s first-ever century by a South African in an ICC final, combined with Bavuma’s resilience and Smith’s misfortune, has tilted the contest heavily. With only 69 runs needed and a full batting lineup in reserve, they sit on the cusp of claiming their maiden ICC Test crown.
Australia, meanwhile, rely on Starc’s grit and survival spirit but must dig deep on the final day to defend their title.
Final Thoughts
The third day of the Lord’s final was a roller coaster—moments of sportsmanship, human emotion, courageous batting, and heartbreak. Now, all eyes turn to day four, where South Africa aims to lift the WTC mace for the first time, and Australia makes a last stand to hold onto their crown.
