Markram and Bavuma's Brilliance Puts South Africa in Commanding Position

South Africa are on the brink of their greatest Test triumph, just 69 runs away from clinching the World Test Championship (WTC) title—and rewriting the script of a cricketing nation so often haunted by heartbreak. The Equation: Target: 282 Close of Day 3: South Africa 213 for 2 Needed: 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand Match heroes (so far): Aiden Markram: Unbeaten on a masterful century (100+ off 156) Temba Bavuma: Battling not just Australia but a hamstring injury, and delivering an innings of immense courage and control Why This Moment Is Historic: For South Africa, a WTC title would be more than just a trophy—it would be vindication. Long regarded as a team rich in talent but often short on silverware, this would mark their first ICC trophy in men's cricket since the 1998 Champions Trophy. For Bavuma, who has faced more scrutiny than most, this could be a career-defining redemption arc. The Turning Point: Australia looked in control when Wiaan Mulder fell early and Bavuma edged a catch to first slip. But in a cruel twist, Steve Smith—standing unusually close in a helmet—dropped the chance and suffered a serious finger injury. That moment may well become the symbolic image of this final if South Africa complete the job: one of Australia’s finest slipping just when they needed to hold firm. Contextual Shifts: Pitch Conditions: Lord’s flattened out under sun—offering the best batting conditions of the Test. Australia’s Last-Wicket Stand: Starc and Hazlewood’s 59-run resistance hinted at easing conditions and added crucial runs. But ironically, it also telegraphed the challenge that awaited them with the ball. South Africa’s Second Innings Approach: Intent from the outset. Unlike their crawl in the first innings (30 in 20 overs for 3 wickets), this time they were 47/1 in 10 overs—a clear shift in mindset and confidence. What's at Stake on Day 4: For South Africa: 69 runs to immortality For Australia: 8 wickets to retain their WTC crown One good session could swing it either way. But with Markram set, Bavuma defiant, and history calling—South Africa can dare to dream. South Africa 138 and 213 for 2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*, Starc 2-53) need 69 runs to beat Australia 212 and 207 (Starc 58, Carey 43, Rabada 4-59, Ngidi 3-38)