Markram Puts South Africa on Verge of Historic WTC Final Win

Aiden Markram’s century puts South Africa on the brink of their first World Test Championship title, requiring 69 runs with eight wickets in hand against Australia. Despite this commanding position, the team remains cautious given past shortcomings in ICC tournaments. Rabada starred with the ball, and the partnership between Markram and Bavuma was pivotal in their chase.

Aiden Markram’s remarkable century has placed South Africa on the verge of clinching their first-ever World Test Championship title, heading into the fourth day at Lord’s with a score of 213-2. They are now just 69 runs shy of victory against Australia, with eight wickets remaining. Markram, who had a disappointing first innings with a duck, made a stunning comeback by scoring an impressive 102 not out. Team captain Temba Bavuma supported him well, contributing a resilient 65*, despite nursing a hamstring injury, as they put together an unbroken partnership of 143 runs.

This partnership has brought South Africa tantalizingly close to what would be the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s, only surpassed by the West Indies’ 344-1 against England in 1984. Yet, amidst their commanding position, South Africa is remaining cautious, all too aware of their history in ICC tournaments, with their last major title dating back to 1998. Fans are rightfully apprehensive given the experience of the Australian team, the defending WTC champions, who are notorious for staging late comebacks.

Batting coach Ashwell Prince expressed mixed feelings, celebrating Markram’s century while stressing the need for focus. “There was great joy in the changing room for Aiden’s hundred, and his partnership with Temba is one of the finest in South African cricket,” Prince said. “But the job is not yet done.” All-rounder Wiaan Mulder reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing a fearless mindset that propelled their improved batting after a dismal first innings performance, where they were all out for just 138.

On the other side, Mitchell Starc had almost turned the match in Australia’s favor with a brilliant all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 58 runs while helping Australia reach 207 in their second innings. He then made significant contributions with the ball, taking the wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Mulder early on, leaving South Africa wobbling at 70-2. A missed catch of Bavuma by Steve Smith proved pivotal, as he had to leave the field due to a finger injury, which allowed the bold duo of Bavuma and Markram to thrive in the favorable batting conditions that followed.

Markram showcased confidence throughout the innings, displaying stylish boundaries, while Bavuma, though visibly uncomfortable, demonstrated his characteristic grit. He played an array of shots, including a textbook drive that garnered applause. Australia’s bowlers, working tirelessly, seemed to miss Smith’s tactical guidance. Nathan Lyon came close to making breakthroughs but lacked the necessary luck, as his deliveries nearly found the edges of both Markram and Bavuma.

Bavuma’s half-century arrived off 83 balls as he showcased immense determination. Markram celebrated his century with a delightful flick through midwicket for his 11th boundary, following an earlier powerful strike down the ground. The day began well for South Africa, with Kagiso Rabada taking the last wicket of the Australian innings, trapping Lyon lbw, but Starc and Josh Hazlewood thwarted South Africa’s efforts with a frustrating last-wicket partnership of 59 runs.

Rabada concluded with impressive figures of 4-59, tallying nine wickets across the match, reinforcing his position as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Now, South Africa stands on the threshold of a significant moment in their cricketing history as they aim to overcome years of disappointment and secure their legacy by successfully chasing down the required runs.

In summary, Aiden Markram’s century and Temba Bavuma’s solid support have set South Africa close to their first-ever World Test Championship, needing just 69 more runs. While they hold the advantage, the team remains cautious, aware of their past failures in ICC tournaments. With a strong performance from Rabada and resilient batting from Markram and Bavuma, South Africa is poised to rewrite their cricketing history — if they can see it through to victory.

Original Source: newscentral.africa