The stage was set on the iconic Lord’s Cricket Floor in London as Australia and South Africa locked horns for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final on June 11, 2025. Australia, the defending champions, had been eyeing a second consecutive title, whereas South Africa, pushed by a starvation to finish their lengthy ICC trophy drought, sought historical past. With a difficult goal of 282 set by Australia, Day 3 witnessed a masterclass from South African opener Aiden Markram, whose elegant century despatched followers right into a frenzy and tilted the competition in direction of the Proteas.
Aiden Markram’s magnificent hundred at Lord’s within the WTC 2025 Last
Markram’s innings was a mix of poise, timing, and nerves of metal. Strolling out with the daunting job of chasing 282 in a high-stakes closing, Markram weathered early strain after the fast lack of Ryan Rickelton. Unfazed, he stitched an important partnership with Wiaan Mulder, steadying the ship earlier than taking cost alongside skipper Temba Bavuma.
Markram’s century was introduced up in type, flicking Josh Hazlewood for 4 to succeed in the three-figure mark off 156 balls, punctuated by 11 beautiful boundaries. The celebration was emotional, helmet off, arms aloft, greeted by raucous applause from the dressing room and a beaming AB de Villiers within the stands. Markram grew to become solely the third batter to attain 100 in a WTC closing, etching his identify into cricketing folklore. His composure towards Australia’s relentless tempo trio and his capability to rotate strike ensured South Africa’s chase by no means misplaced momentum. Followers erupted on social media, hailing Markram’s knock as one of many most interesting beneath strain, with many calling it a turning level in South Africa’s cricketing historical past.
Additionally WATCH: Steve Smith walks off with finger injury after dropping Temba Bavuma early on Day 3 at Lord’s | SA vs AUS
Right here’s how followers reacted:
V v v v v good from Markram & Bavuma!
With victory being so shut, it’ll nonetheless be a nervy sleep!
I hope Lords is at capability tomorrow morning for the primary ball!— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 13, 2025
Pure grasp class from Aiden Markram😍 pic.twitter.com/F43PVk0R6K
— P’rashant Kumar (@prasy088) June 13, 2025
Excessive class 💯 by Aiden Markram & absolutely one to recollect for very long time 👏 historical past is ready for South Africa.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 13, 2025
Final knock within the Final Take a look at 💯
Aiden Markram brings in all his class and expertise on the most important stage 🫡
Comply with the #WTC25 Last motion LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/pQ7yVBzaQL pic.twitter.com/QLh0D2md33
— ICC (@ICC) June 13, 2025
AIDEN MARKRAM – FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN WITH A HUNDRED IN ICC FINALS. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/DXvdoN8k5h
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 13, 2025
Smartest thing about time is that it modifications
Take a bow Aiden Markram 🫡 pic.twitter.com/IbPWYuNCA5
— Bakri Participant (@91_of_79) June 13, 2025
🚨 AIDEN MARKRAM – THIRD BATTER TO COMPLETE HUNDRED IN WTC FINAL 🚨 pic.twitter.com/n4ACnSpheP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 13, 2025
“Aiden Markram is delight to look at” pic.twitter.com/xMZjSYklhS
— Cricket Image that Goes Onerous (@HardCricketpix) June 13, 2025
Lord’s witnesses Aiden Markram’s spectacular century as South Africa edge nearer to an iconic win towards Australia.#AidenMarkram #Cricket #WTCFinal #SAvAUS #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/vDIHr0S61Q
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 13, 2025
LORD’S ICONIC HALL GIVING STANDING OVATION TO AIDEN MARKRAM. 🫡👏 pic.twitter.com/vXZKJiKoyd
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 13, 2025
Aiden Markram – Keep in mind the identify !! pic.twitter.com/7H3PB6JPdG
— dxp (@drivexpull) June 13, 2025
Century on the most important of phases to get proteas 💚an icc trophy after 27 rattling freakin yrs
Take a bow for ” Aiden Kyle Markram ” 🤍🙇♀️ pic.twitter.com/3Lwl7PyXsW— Stranger Buddy🦋 (@Buddystrange23) June 13, 2025
South Africa within the driver’s seat towards Australia
By the shut of Day 3’s third session, South Africa stood at 213/2, needing simply 69 extra runs to clinch their maiden WTC title. Markram remained unbeaten on 102, whereas Bavuma, battling via damage, supplied steadfast help with a gritty half-century. Their unbroken 140-plus run partnership not solely blunted Australia’s assault but in addition infused perception into the South African camp.
Earlier, Australia’s second innings resistance was formed by Mitchell Starc’s combating 58 not out, however the remainder of the lineup faltered towards incisive spells from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, setting South Africa a goal that seemed imposing on paper. Nonetheless, Markram’s century has put the Proteas inside touching distance of a historic triumph. With eight wickets in hand and momentum firmly on their aspect, South Africa at the moment are favorites to script an unforgettable victory at Lord’s.
Additionally READ: WTC 2025 Final: Top 5 highest successful run chases at Lord’s in Tests as South Africa target history vs Australia