London, Jun 13 (UNI) The ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s is finely poised as South Africa reached 94 for 2 at tea on the third day, needing 188 more runs to defeat Australia and claim their maiden WTC title.
Chasing a target of 288, the Proteas made a cautious start but were pegged back early when Mitchell Starc removed Ryan Rickelton cheaply for six with the new ball. Despite the early setback, Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder responded with positive strokeplay, stitching together a fluent half-century stand.
However, just as the partnership was gaining momentum, Starc struck again to dismiss Mulder for 27, a soft dismissal that gave Australia a much-needed breakthrough. Temba Bavuma, the South African skipper, joined Markram and had a shaky start, surviving a chance on 2 and needing on-field treatment for a hamstring niggle. He remained unbeaten at the break.
Markram looked solid at the other end, playing some crisp strokes en route to an unbeaten 49. The pitch, while appearing benign for most part, has shown occasional variable bounce, keeping the Australian bowlers interested.
Earlier in the day, Starc’s counterattacking half-century lifted Australia to 207 in their second innings. Coming in with the lead under 230, the left-arm pacer remained unbeaten on 58 and added 59 crucial runs with Josh Hazlewood (17) for the 10th wicket, frustrating the South African bowlers. Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with nine wickets in the match.
South Africa now require another 188 runs with eight wickets in hand to claim victory, while Australia will look to their experienced pace attack to close out the match and secure a second consecutive WTC crown.
As the final session of Day 3 approaches, the game hangs in the balance — setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the WTC cycle.
