Markram and Bavuma WTC Final 2025 Stand Puts South Africa on Verge of Historic Victory

Markram and Bavuma WTC Final partnership puts South Africa within 69 runs of a historic title win as the duo’s unbeaten stand of 143 defies Australia’s attack.

Southampton, June 13 (Today Scoop Sports Desk) – In what could go down as one of the most iconic moments in South African cricket history, Markram and Bavuma’s WTC Final partnership of 143 runs has placed the Proteas within touching distance of their first ICC World Test Championship title.

At the end of Day 3, South Africa stands tall at 213 for 2, chasing a challenging 282 set by Australia. With just 69 runs needed on Day 4, the unbeaten duo of Aiden Markram (102)* and Temba Bavuma (65)* have rewritten the script with a masterclass in composure, courage, and class.

Match Summary:

• Australia: 212 & 207 (Starc 58, Carey 43, Rabada 4-59)
• South Africa: 138 & 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*)
• Target: 282 | Remaining: 69 runs | Day 4 to come

Markram and Bavuma WTC Final Stand Inspires a Nation

The Markram and Bavuma WTC Final stand began with South Africa on shaky ground at 70 for 2. But over the next 38 overs, the pair batted with precision and poise, silencing the Australian bowling attack. Markram reached his eighth Test century in the closing stages, while Bavuma, playing through a painful hamstring injury, displayed immense grit and leadership.

Markram’s innings was rich in timing and placement — a back-cut off Mitchell Starc and a straight drive against Hazlewood stood out among a flurry of elegant boundaries. He brought up his century with a flick through the leg side, a shot that could become symbolic of South Africa’s long-awaited Test triumph.

On the other hand, Bavuma defied the odds, battling injury and pressure with a mixture of caution and aggression. His early life – a dropped catch by Steve Smith that resulted in a dislocated finger – proved costly for Australia. Even after pulling his hamstring, Bavuma refused to retreat, hobbling between wickets and still managing to play fluent strokes, including a top-edge that nearly fell to a substitute fielder but just evaded his reach.

Markram and Bavuma WTC Final Partnership

The Markram and Bavuma WTC Final partnership was not just a display of technical brilliance, but also a testament to mental resilience and leadership under pressure. With the weight of a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, both batters showcased an unshakable temperament—absorbing pressure, rotating strike with ease, and finding boundaries without taking undue risks.

Their mutual trust and running between the wickets, even with Bavuma hobbling, reflected a deep understanding and camaraderie. It was a partnership forged not just in runs, but in character—one that now stands as a symbol of South Africa’s resurgence in world cricket.

Australia on the Back Foot

Despite a fighting last-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc (58) and Josh Hazlewood, which added 59 runs and lifted Australia’s lead past 280, their bowlers could not find a breakthrough once Markram and Bavuma settled.

Mitchell Starc (2-53) struck early in the innings, removing Rickelton and Mulder, but Australia failed to build on that momentum. Steve Smith’s injury while dropping Bavuma, and Pat Cummins’ inability to find support from the surface or his bowlers, highlighted a frustrating day for the Australians.

Nathan Lyon threatened from the rough, but his efforts were thwarted by patient batting and lack of fielding support. Cummins rotated his options, even turning to Travis Head and Labuschagne, but the South African duo remained unbreakable.

South Africa’s Grit with the Ball Sets the Stage

The day began with South Africa finishing off Australia’s second innings at 207, thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s 4-59 and Ngidi’s 3-38. Though Australia gained a 74-run first-innings lead, the South African attack ensured the target stayed within reach.

Earlier, Starc and Hazlewood’s resistance recalled similar partnerships from previous Tests, with Starc’s 58 being his first fifty since 2019 and Hazlewood adding valuable time and runs. Yet, it was Markram who eventually ended their stand, dismissing Hazlewood to wrap up the innings.

One Final Push Remains

South Africa now stands just 69 runs away from a monumental triumph. Should they cross the finish line on Day 4, this victory will not just be about runs or wickets—it will be about the courage of Bavuma, the class of Markram, and the rise of a nation long waiting for global glory.

For a country often burdened by heartbreak on the biggest stage, the Markram and Bavuma WTC Final partnership could become the cornerstone of a new chapter in South African cricket.

Report by TODAY SCOOP NEWS