South Africa 213/2 in 56.0 Overs | AUS vs SA Reside Rating, WTC Ultimate 2025: South Africa close to historic WTC win at iconic Lord’s vs Australia

Australia vs South Africa Reside Rating, ICC WTC Ultimate 2025: South Africa have positioned one hand firmly on the World Take a look at Championship mace, because of an impressed stand between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma that has left them needing simply 69 runs to script one of the crucial important chapters of their cricketing historical past.

The Proteas walked off Lord’s on Day 3 at a commanding 213/2, chasing 282 for victory towards a seasoned Australian aspect that has made profitable huge video games a behavior. Markram, whose duck within the first innings added to South Africa’s batting woes, turned saviour with an unbeaten century that was as a lot about ability because it was about resilience.

His accomplice, Bavuma, hobbled for many of his innings however refused to throw within the towel. At 65 not out, the skipper has embodied the combat that South African cricket followers have yearned to see when it issues most.

Historical past, nonetheless, is just not simply conquered at Lord’s. Solely 4 occasions earlier than has a goal above 200 been chased efficiently at this hallowed venue, with only one such occasion since 2005. If South Africa do cross the road, it is going to stand because the second-highest run chase on the floor — a feat few would have wager on after their meagre 138 all out within the first innings.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc appeared set to interrupt South African hearts once more. His cussed 58* dragged Australia’s second innings to 207, then he eliminated each openers cheaply to have the Proteas wobbling at 70/2. However that was the place the fightback really started.

Markram was constructive from ball one, driving and pulling with authority. Bavuma, regardless of seen discomfort from his hamstring, countered Australia’s tempo and spin with outstanding grit. Even dropped catches and missed probabilities by the Aussies helped, as Steve Smith’s absence attributable to a finger damage left a giant gap of their slip cordon and ways.

Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets within the match, together with essential strikes to wrap up Australia’s tail, gave the batters the manageable goal they’re now on the verge of looking down.

South Africa’s followers, used to heartbreak on the ultimate hurdle, now await historical past. Ought to Markram and Bavuma full the job, they’ll finish a 27-year drought for an ICC trophy and rewrite the narrative of a crew that after froze below strain however now stands tall at cricket’s grandest stage.