London: (Pakistan Point News - 13 June, 2025) Aiden Markram’s masterful century and a gritty unbeaten 65 from skipper Temba Bavuma have placed South Africa firmly in control of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, as they closed Day Two at 213/2 in pursuit of a challenging 282-run target against Australia at Lord’s.
Markram and Bavuma’s unbroken 143-run third-wicket partnership has left South Africa just 69 runs away from securing their first ICC trophy since 1998. Their target stands as the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at the iconic venue, behind the West Indies’ 344 in 1984.
Earlier in the day, Australia had looked to tighten their grip on the match. Mitchell Starc’s resilient 58* and a stubborn final-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood pushed Australia’s lead to 281 before their innings ended at 207. Kagiso Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) led South Africa’s bowling effort.
Chasing 282, South Africa had a shaky start when Ryan Rickelton edged behind off Starc. But Markram and Wiaan Mulder (25) counter-attacked confidently before Mulder fell to Starc once again. Bavuma, dropped early by Steve Smith—who dislocated his finger in the process—battled on despite hamstring trouble.
Markram, calm and composed, completed a vital century in the final moments of the day, reaching the landmark with a boundary after spending 23 balls in the 90s. Bavuma, too, reached his half-century and anchored the innings with determination.
With eight wickets in hand and momentum firmly on their side, the Proteas are on the brink of rewriting history at Lord’s.
Scores in Brief:
Australia: 212 & 207
South Africa: 138 & 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*)
South Africa need 69 more runs to win
