Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stitched together a brilliant unbeaten 143-run partnership at the end of Day 3 to take South Africa within touching distance of their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title at Lord’s.
Markram set the tone early as he walked out to open the innings for the Proteas with intent and composure. Bavuma joined him at the crease with the score at 70/2 following Wiaan Mulder’s dismissal. With the match balanced at that point, the duo rose to the occasion and handled the pressure with great maturity. They rotated the strike well and ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking, never allowing the bowlers to settle.
Despite battling a hamstring injury, Bavuma showed immense grit and character to play through the pain and support Markram at the other end. His composed approach helped anchor the innings as the pressure mounted. Meanwhile, Markram looked in sublime touch, playing with confidence and precision.
South Africa need 69 runs with eight wickets in hand at the end of Day 3
As the day wore on and spin began to play a more prominent role, Nathan Lyon briefly threatened. However, both Markram and Bavuma held their nerve, countering the spin threat effectively to see out the final overs of the day without further damage.
Markram brought up what is arguably the most important century of his Test career in the penultimate over of the day. He remained unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls, striking 11 boundaries. Bavuma provided ideal support with a solid 65 not out from 121 balls, which included five fours.
With two full days left in the Test, South Africa are just 69 runs away from sealing a historic victory, with eight wickets still in hand. If they hold their nerve, the Proteas are on course to claim their maiden World Test Championship title in what could be a landmark moment in South African cricket history.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz