Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's saw South Africa take control, reaching 213/2 in 56 overs while chasing 282, where they needed a mere 69 runs to win their maiden WTC title. Australia, resuming at 144/8, were all out for 207 in 65 overs for a target of 282, courtesy of a spirited 59-run ninth-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Aiden Markram's 102 not out and Temba Bavuma's determined 65 fueled South Africa's run chase with a 143 unbroken third-wicket stand, swinging the game their way. With just four wickets lost, Day 3 was a turnabout from the bowler-dominated first two days, after which the stage is set for a thriller Day 4.

Australia 2nd Innings: Bowled Out for 207, Set 282-Run Target

Australia came back at 144/8 (40 overs) and finished at 207/10 in 65 overs, leaving South Africa with a target of 282. Mitchell Starc's dogged 58* from 136 (5 fours) and Josh Hazlewood's 17 from 53 ensured a vital 59-run ninth-wicket partnership, which goaded South Africa's bowlers. Kagiso Rabada (4/59 in 18 overs) sent Nathan Lyon packing early (2 off 13, lbw) and then bowled out Hazlewood (caught by Keshav Maharaj, bowled Aiden Markram, 1/5 in 2 overs). Lungi Ngidi (3/38 in 13 overs) got rid of Steve Smith (13 off 25, lbw), Beau Webster (9 off 11, lbw), and Pat Cummins (6 off 5). Marco Jansen (1/58 in 18 overs) sent back Marnus Labuschagne (22 off 64, caught by Kyle Verreynne), while Wiaan Mulder (1/18 in 8 overs) got rid of Travis Head (9 off 18). Despite fielding lapses, including a dropped catch of Starc by Jansen on Day 2, South Africa restricted Australia, but the pitch, easing from Days 1 and 2, allowed a challenging target.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 213/2, Need 69 Runs

South Africa’s chase began with early losses, with Mitchell Starc (2/53 from 9 overs) removing Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Alex Carey) and Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne), reducing them to 70/2. However, Aiden Markram’s masterful 102* off 159 (11 fours) and Temba Bavuma’s resilient 65* off 121 (5 fours), despite a hamstring injury, forged an unbroken 143-run third-wicket stand, taking South Africa to 213/2 by stumps. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among elite visiting batters at Lord’s, like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Bavuma’s determined knock, battling injury, showcased his captaincy resolve. Australia's bowling lineup, led by Pat Cummins (0/36 off 10 overs), Josh Hazlewood (0/43 off 13 overs), and Nathan Lyon (0/51 off 18 overs), struggled as the pitch leveled out, according to reports. South Africa’s fearless approach, as noted by Wiaan Mulder, left them 69 runs away from a historic win.

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WTC Final 2025 – Day 3, SA vs AUS: Match Scorecard

Australia 2nd Innings – 207/10 (65 Overs)

South Africa 2nd Innings – 213/2 (56 Overs)