Credit: ICC
Defending champions Australia are in immense trouble in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final at the iconic Lord’s in London. After the end of play on the day 3, the Proteas are 213/2 and they now require only 69 runs to bag their first International Cricket Council (ICC) title after 27 years. With South Africa heading towards the target of 282 gradually, the reigning champions will be required to pick up quick wickets in the initial stage of the fourth day. Except for Mitchell Starc, no bowler has succeeded to trouble South Africa. Aiden Markram is in good touch after hitting his century while captain Temba Bavuma has also supported the 30-year-old superbly in the middle.
Witnessing the exceptional partnership, the Aussie assistant coach Daniel Vettori is expecting his bowlers to get early breakthroughs in the day to make a comeback in the game. Earlier, he also admitted that the task won't be simple for the Aussie side to pick up eight wickets under 70 runs. "We understand the main task 8/70 is incredibly tricky, and conditions wouldn't have to go our way, but I think with the nature of where the ball is at and the surface, it's a difficult task,"said Vettori in the press conference after the end of day's play. He also added, "It is always difficult to label or tag teams, because teams change... it is difficult to assign to a group that hasn't been in this situation in terms of World Test Championship Final."
South Africa eyeing to complete WTC Final 2025 run chase smoothly
South Africa will be wary of Australia to complete the remaining task. The Proteas have lost out several times in ICC tournaments from winning positions, but this time, they will strive to hold their nerves to pull off the target. In 2024, they lost the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India in Barbados, from the stage when they required only 30 off 30.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma are expected to stand at the crease and conclude the game in style. Markram has notched up his eighth century and he will look to make it more memorable by helping his team become champions of the red-ball format of the game. Bavuma will also strive to break into record books as the second South Africa skipper to win an ICC title for his nation.
