WTC Final 2025 Day 3 Highlights: Markram and Bavuma Lead South Africa’s Strong Chase. Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s was another intense chapter in the showdown between Australia and South Africa. Proteas needs only 69 runs to win the World Test Championship 2025. Resuming at an overnight score of 144/8, Australia was in a heap of trouble before, quite brilliantly, their tail-enders came to play.
Mitchell Starc put on a fine display of resistance, finishing with a superb, unbeaten 58 with the bat, while combining with Josh Hazlewood (17) to put 59 last-wicket runs on the board. Their partnership was irritating for the Proteas to dismiss, as well as putting useful runs on the board to help Australia notch 207 in their 2nd innings and set a challenging target of 282 for the South Africans.
South Africa, however, came out to bat with resolve and composure. Opener Aiden Markram smashed an unbeaten century (102*) and anchored the innings. Captain Temba Bavuma, nursing a hamstring injury, was excellent with 66 not out. The two added an unbroken century partnership.
South Africa ended the third day on 213/2. They climbed back from a difficult position on Day 3. Their assured batting in response pushed the momentum back one team’s way. Going into Day 4, South Africa still needs less than 70 runs to claim their first WTC title.
The day had moments of emotion and concern. Both teams sported black armbands to note the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. Play was paused for a moment of silence before the Test, which was appreciated by everyone fortunate enough to witness it, including the fans watching from around the world.
Also Read: WTC Final 2025 Day 2 Highlights: Pat Cummins Fifer, Australia 144/8
On the field, Australia kept struggling when Steve Smith dislocated his finger while trying to take a catch at slip. He left the field looking in severe discomfort. He is unlikely to return for the rest of the Test and might be in doubt for the Ashes.
