Highlights

MPL 2025, Match 20: Kolhapur Tuskers vs Raigad Royals Full Match Highlights

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 01:01:26 GMT

In a thrilling match between Kolhapur Tuskers and Raigad Royals in Match 20 of the 2025 Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), Tuskers won the match by 2 wickets at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Both the teams were eyeing important points in order to stay in the playoff race; the contest lived up to its billing with a dramatic finish in the final over.

Raigad Royals Innings

Battling first, Raigad Royals compiled a gritty 159 off 19.4 overs. Niraj Joshi hit a blazing 49 from 27 deliveries, smashing five sixes to push the run rate. Vicky Ostwal (22 from 14) and Siddhesh Veer (21 from 15) provided good starts, but the middle order did not carry on the momentum. Anand Thenge of Kolhapur was excellent with the ball, claiming 4/29, while Deepak Natraj Dangi supported him with a good 3/27. Support from Atman Pore (2/31) kept Raigad limited below 160.

Kolhapur Tuskers Innings

Pursuing 160, Kolhapur Tuskers reached the finish line at 162/8 in a thrilling climax. Captain Rahul Tripathi led by example with a match-winning 53 off 43 balls, ably supported by Sachin Dhas (29 off 19) and Vishant More (22 off 15). The Royals' bowlers, particularly Tanay Sanghvi (3/27) and Nikhil Kadam (2/37), struggled hard, but the Tuskers' lower order played with nerves of steel to win the match in the final over. Kolhapur consolidated their campaign with this win, and Raigad had to bemoan missed opportunities.

Kolhapur Tuskers vs Raigad Royals: Match Scorecard

Raigad Royals – 159/10 (19.4 Overs)

Top Batters	Runs (Balls)	Top Bowlers (KT)	Wkts/Runs (Overs)
Niraj Joshi	49 (27)	Anand Thenge	4/29 (3.4)
Vicky Ostwal	22 (14)	Deepak Natraj Dangi	3/27 (4)
Siddhesh Veer	21 (15)	Atman Pore	2/31 (4)
Omkar Khatpe	16 (18)	Rajneesh Gurbani	1/33 (4)

Kolhapur Tuskers – 162/8 (20 Overs)

Top Batters	Runs (Balls)	Top Bowlers (RGD)	Wkts/Runs (Overs)
Rahul Tripathi	53 (43)	Tanay Sanghvi	3/27 (4)
Sachin Dhas	29 (19)	Nikhil Kadam	2/37 (4)
Vishant More	22 (15)	Vicky Ostwal	1/22 (4)
Ankit Bawne	15 (12)	Sagar Jadhav	1/25 (4)

VPL 2025, Final: Pagariya Strikers vs NECO Master Blaster Full Match Highlights

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:03:34 GMT

In the highly anticipated final of the Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) 2025, Pagariya Strikers (PAS) faced off against NECO Master Blaster (NMB) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur. NECO Master Blaster won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends as they restricted Pagariya Strikers to a modest total before chasing it down comfortably to win by 7 wickets in 17.5 overs, clinching the VPL 2025 title.

Pagariya Strikers Innings: 178/7 in 20 Overs

Batting first, Pagariya Strikers scored a fighting 178/7 in their 20 overs. Shiwam Deshmukh dominated the innings with a match-winning 82 off 45 balls, with 3 fours and 7 sixes, at a stupendous strike rate of 182.22. Pushpak Gujar scored 25 off 26 balls, with Vishal Tiwari not out on 23 off 15 balls, giving a late kick with 3 fours and a six. MD Faiz scored 19 off 12 balls before he was run out. The NECO Master Blaster bowlers, however, made it tight at the right moments. Sanmesh Deshmukh was the bowler's choice, claiming 3 wickets for 37 runs from 4 overs, including the crucial scalp of Shiwam Deshmukh. Anamay Jaiswal also got among the wickets with 1/42, and Pratul Hinge, Kartik Rathod, and Sanjay Raghunath each took a wicket. In spite of the late push, Pagariya Strikers may have felt they were 10-15 runs short of a dominating total.

NECO Master Blaster Innings: 179/3 in 17.5 Overs

Pursuing 179, NECO Master Blaster mounted a clinical batting performance to 179/3 in 17.5 overs, winning by 7 wickets with 13 balls remaining. Opener Vedant Dighade set the tone for the chase with a magnificent 80 off 52 balls, which contained 8 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 153.85. Aryan Meshram contributed a key supporting 42 off 26 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 161.54. Wicketkeeper-captain Jitesh Sharma completed the innings in style, unbeaten on 30 off 11 balls, including a four and 3 sixes, at an astronomical strike rate of 272.73. Adhyan Daga made 22 off 16 balls before becoming the victim of Dipesh Parwani. Pagariya Strikers' bowlers couldn't keep the NMB batsmen under wraps as Kaustubh Salve claimed 2/34 from 2.5 overs, including Aryan Meshram and Adhyan Routh. Dipesh Parwani claimed 1/38 but the other bowlers from the unit, with Yash Kadam (0/22) and Pushpak Gujar (0/34) included, could not put enough pressure. NECO Master Blaster’s disciplined chase ensured they lifted the VPL 2025 trophy in front of a packed crowd at Jamtha.

Pagariya Strikers (PAS) vs NECO Master Blaster (NMB): Match Scorecard

Pagariya Strikers – 178/7 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Shivam Deshmukh (wk)	82 (45)	Sanmesh Deshmukh	3/37 (4)
Pushpak Gujar	25 (26)	Sanjay Raghunath	1/24 (4)
Vishesh Tiwari	23* (15)	Praful Hinge	1/32 (4)

NECO Master Blaster – 179/3 (17.5 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Vedant Dighade	80* (52)	Kaustubh Salve	2/34 (2.5)
Aryan Meshram	42 (26)	Dipesh Parwani	1/38 (3)
Jitesh Sharma (c/wk)	30 * (11)	Yash Kadam (c)	0/22(3)

MPL 2025, Match 19: Ratnagiri Jets vs Satara Warriors Full Match Highlights

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:18:35 GMT

In Match 19 of the 2025 Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, Satara Warriors (STW) achieved a rain-reduced win over Ratnagiri Jets (RJ) by 14 runs (DLS method). Satara Warriors chose to bowl first and restrained RJ to a small total. Their aggressive beginning with the bat put them in front of the DLS par score before the rain shortened the match.

Ratnagiri Jets (RJ) Innings

Batting first, Ratnagiri Jets scored 146/9 in 20 overs. Kiran Chormale scored the highest with a mature 52 off 41 balls, while Abhishek Pawar contributed a quick 25 off only 10 deliveries to accelerate the scoring in the death overs. The lower half of the batting order couldn't offer much resistance. Satara Warriors bowled with restraint—Rajvardhan Hangargekar was the pick of the bowlers with 3/14 in 4 overs and was well complemented by Vaibhav Chougalle (2/18) and Samadhan Pangare (2/29) to restrict the Jets to a paltry total.

Satara Warriors (STW) Innings

Satara Warriors, in response, were going along at 116/4 in 14.4 overs when rain came into the picture. Pavan Shah led the charge in the chase with a quick 45 off 22 balls, while Aniket Porwal added 27 off 24. Anirudh Sable contributed 17 off 14 as STW remained handsomely above the DLS par score. Despite a spirited effort by RJ's Satyajeet Bachhav (3/13), the top-order momentum of the Warriors was sufficient to win the game by 14 runs under the DLS system, keeping their campaign alive in style.

Ratnagiri Jets vs Satara Warriors: Match Scorecard

Ratnagiri Jets – 146/9 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Kiran Chormale	52 (41)	Rajvardhan Hangargekar	3/14 (4)
Abhishek Pawar (wk)	25 (10)	Vaibhav Chougalle	2/18 (3)
Divyang Hinganekar	14 (15)	Samadhan Pangare	2/29 (4)

Satara Warriors – 116/4 (14.4 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Pavan Shah	45 (22)	Satyajeet Bachhav	3/13 (3.4)
Aniket Porwal*	27 (24)	Pradeep Dadhe	1/19 (2)
Anirudh Sable	17 (14)	Vijay Pawale	0/9 (2)

MLC 2025, Match 4: Seattle Orcas vs Washington Freedom Full Match Highlights

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:36:21 GMT

In Match 4 of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, Seattle Orcas faces Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum, California. Seattle won the toss and decided to bat first, but a stringent bowling performance by Washington, topped off with a clinical chase, aided them towards a simple 5-wicket win.

Seattle Orcas Innings

Batting first, the Orcas could not gain momentum and ended up at 145/9 from their 20 overs. David Warner was the highest scorer with 31 off 17 balls in a flashy knock, supplemented by Kyle Mayers's 27 off 17 deliveries. Wicketkeeper-captain Heinrich Klaasen contributed a measly 17 from 13 balls without being able to convert his start. The bowling was headed by Ian Holland, who swung the game with outstanding figures of 4/19 in 4 overs. Jack Edwards chipped in with 2/24 and Mitchell Owen did an outstanding job restricting their run rate, finishing with 1/24.

Washington Freedom Innings

In turn, Washington Freedom pursued the target without a problem, scoring 149/5 in 13.3 overs. Rachin Ravindra hit 44 off 18 balls to establish the platform early on, and captain Glenn Maxwell responded with a lusty 38 off 20 balls. Mitchell Owen helped complete the job with 25 off 11 balls. While Waqar Salamkheil collected 2/27, and there were short cameos by Harmeet Singh (1/18) and Obed McCoy (1/20), the total was too low to be defended.

Seattle Orcas vs Washington Freedom: Match Scorecard

Seattle Orcas – 145/9 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
David Warner	31 (17)	Ian Holland	4/19 (4)
Kyle Mayers	27 (17)	Jack Edwards	2/24 (4)
Heinrich Klaasen (wk/c)	17 (13)	Mitchell Owen	1/24 (4)

Washington Freedom – 149/5 (13.3 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Rachin Ravindra	44 (18)	Waqar Salamkheil	2/27 (3.3)
Glenn Maxwell (c)*	38 (20)	Harmeet Singh	1/18 (2)
Mitchell Owen	25 (11)	Obed McCoy	1/20 (3)

MLC 2025, Match 3: San Francisco Unicorns vs Los Angeles Knight Riders Full Match Highlights

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:21:07 GMT

In the 3rd Match of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, the San Francisco Unicorns faced the Los Angeles Knight Riders at the Oakland Coliseum, California. The Knight Riders decided to bowl first, but the Unicorns' aggressive batting and merciless bowling confirmed them a 32-run win, extending their winning streak in the tournament.

San Francisco Unicorns Innings

Batting first, the San Francisco Unicorns dominated with a score of 219/8 in 20 overs. Jake Fraser-McGurk was incredible, hammering 88 off 38 balls, as Finn Allen gave a scintillating start with 52 from 27 balls. Captain Cooper Connolly chipped in with a solid 20 off 18 to steady the middle overs. Shadley van Schalkwyk (3/50 in 4 overs), Ali Khan (2/34), and Tanveer Sangha (1/29) were the wicket-takers for the Knight Riders.

Los Angeles Knight Riders Innings

In response, the Knight Riders were bowled out for 187 in 19.5 overs. Unmukt Chand batted valiantly with 53 off 32, and Matthew Tromp added 41 off 31, while captain Sunil Narine scored 27 off 13 to arouse hope temporarily. But San Francisco bowlers held their cool—Xavier Bartlett took 4/28 in 3.5 overs, and Haris Rauf equaled him with 4/41 from his full share, while Brody Couch supplemented with 1/32, finishing the job with clinical accuracy.

San Francisco Unicorns vs Los Angeles Knight Riders: Match Scorecard

San Francisco Unicorns – 219/8 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Jake Fraser-McGurk	88 (38)	Shadley van Schalkwyk	3/50 (4)
Finn Allen	52 (27)	Ali Khan	2/34 (4)
Cooper Connolly (c)	20 (18)	Tanveer Sangha	1/29 (3)

Los Angeles Knight Riders – 187/10 (19.5 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Unmukt Chand	53 (32)	Xavier Bartlett	4/28 (3.5)
Matthew Tromp	41 (31)	Haris Rauf	4/41 (4)
Sunil Narine (c)	27 (13)	Brody Couch	1/32 (4)

SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 4 Recap – Key performances and major highlights

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:28:44 GMT

Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord's witnessed South Africa etch their name in history, chasing down 282 to win by 5 wickets and securing their first WTC title. Resuming at 213/2, needing 69 runs, South Africa faced a late scare as Australia’s bowlers struck thrice, but David Bedingham's calm 21* and Kyle Verreynne's unflappable 4* saw them through to victory in 83.4 overs. Mitchell Starc's incendiary 3/66 presented a challenge, but the resistance of South Africa, spearheaded by Aiden Markram's match-winning 136 before he was sent back to the pavilion, broke a long drought. The day, where three wickets were lost, topped a nail-biting Test match with South Africa deserving champions.

South Africa 2nd Innings: 282/5, Win by 5 Wickets

South Africa resumed at 213/2 (56 overs), needing 69 runs to win. The chase hit turbulence as Mitchell Starc (3/66 in 14.4 overs) dismissed Temba Bavuma (66 off 134, caught by Alex Carey) and Tristan Stubbs (8 off 43, bowled), reducing South Africa to 241/4. Josh Hazlewood (1/58 in 19 overs) removed Aiden Markram (136 off 207, 14 fours, caught Travis Head), ending his historic knock at 276/5, with 6 runs still needed. Pat Cummins (1/59 in 17 overs) had earlier dismissed Wiaan Mulder (27 off 50, caught by Marnus Labuschagne) on Day 3, while Ryan Rickelton (6 off 8, caught by Carey) also fell early. However, David Bedingham’s steady 21* off 49 (1 four) and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 4* off 13 forged a crucial 6-run sixth-wicket stand, guiding South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs. Markram’s century, his third in a fourth innings, placed him among Lord’s elites like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Lyon (0/66 in 26 overs), toiled on a flattening pitch, but South Africa’s resolve, as emphasized by coach Shukri Conrad, secured the historic win.

South Africa 2nd Innings – 282/5 (83.4 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Aiden Markram	136 (207)	Mitchell Starc	3/66 (14.4)
Temba Bavuma	66 (134)	Josh Hazlewood	1/58 (19)
David Bedingham	21* (49)	Pat Cummins	1/59 (17)
Wiaan Mulder	27 (50)	Nathan Lyon	0/66 (26)

Key Moments: SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

Markram’s Match-Defining Ton: Aiden Markram’s 136* earned him Player of the Match as his fourth-innings century at Lord’s adds to his legacy next to the greats.
Late Drama: Starc’s double strike taking Bavuma and Stubbs up until that point made a great contest out of it when South Africa were 241/4.
South Africa’s Historic Triumph: South Africa became the fourth team to beat Australia in an ICC final after 20+ years of heartbreak, with Markram’s redemptive 136 and a lion-hearted skipper Temba Bavuma ending a 27 year drought for an ICC trophy; Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets in both innings sealed the triumph in a year of breaking trophy droughts
Bedingham’s Calm Finish: David Bedingham’s unbeaten 21 steadied the chase as South Africa crossed the line once Verreynne was dismissed.

India vs India A Intrasquad Match Day 1 Highlights

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:38:53 GMT

Beckenham, June 14 – India's highly anticipated intrasquad fixture between India and India A kicked off on a steady note, offering crucial match practice ahead of the five-Test series against England. The game, being the team's sole warm-up for the headline series, also heralded a new leadership era as Shubman Gill led the red-ball team for the first time after Rohit Sharma's Test retirement.

Batting first in favorable English conditions, the top order made maximum use. Skipper Shubman Gill appeared poised and classy, scoring a confident half-century characterized by classy shots and aggressive foot movement. KL Rahul, the other experienced player on the team, equaled Gill's contribution with a fluent fifty of his own, giving an indication of his role in India's changing middle-order strategy.

Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers on Day 1. While individual figures weren't made public, the BCCI confirmed that Thakur accounted for a couple of important wickets, taking maximum advantage of the conditions available. Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to play a pivotal role in the series ahead, bowled an ultra-short but high-intensity spell, getting into the rhythm early.

Teenagers Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal also had some time in the middle, although they were probably dismissed after making promising beginnings. In the absence of official scores being released, attention was on individual application and preparation for the England series.

New Era Begins Amid Emotional Backdrop

This intrasquad match also signifies the opening of a new chapter in Indian cricket, with the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin redefining the identity of the team. The game is a make-or-break test for the next generation, especially considering India's traditional failure in English conditions.

📍 Beckenham

A solid Opening Day in the Intra-Squad game!

Half-centuries for KL Rahul & Captain Shubman Gill 👌 👌

Shardul Thakur amongst the wickets 👍 👍 pic.twitter.com/7lfEFoL4KE
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2025

The players sported black armbands on Day 1 as a gesture of respect for victims of a recent calamity, with BCCI posting pictures in solidarity with mourning families. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was not present in the camp, having flown back to India because of a family crisis.

Despite the emotional undertone, the Indian team remained focused as the match continued until June 16 — a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills before the opening Test at Leeds.

MLC 2025, Match 2: MI New York vs Texas Super Kings Full Match Highlights

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:03:59 GMT

In a nail-biting Match 2 of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season between MI New York (NY) vs Texas Super Kings (TEX) at the Oakland Coliseum, California, MI New York decided to bowl first against Texas Super Kings. The choice came close to paying off, but ultimately, Texas kept their nerves up in a gripping game to win by just 3 runs and notch their first win of the season.

Texas Super Kings Innings

Batting first, Texas Super Kings reached a fighting total of 185/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a good opening partnership. Devon Conway went about his innings in a classy 65 off 44 deliveries, with skipper Calvin Savage contributing a quick 53 off 34 balls. Milind Kumar also contributed a useful 19 off 13 in maintaining the momentum. For the MI New York bowlers, Michael Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers with 2/34 in 4 overs, while Sunny Patel (1/23 in 3) and Ehsan Adil (1/36 in 4) gave timely breakthroughs.

MI New York Innings

Pursuing 186, MI New York got close, scoring 182/8 in their 20 overs. Monank Patel provided them a solid foundation with an elegant 62 off 44, and Michael Bracewell added bite in the mid-overs with 38 off 21. Kieron Pollard's rapid 32 off 16 gave MI New York a genuine chance, but precise bowling in the death overs from Texas closed the deal. Adam Milne was outstanding with 3/22 off his 4 overs, and Mohammad Mohsin (1/27 off 3) and Noor Ahmad (1/33 off 4) assisted ably.

Texas Super Kings' hard-fought 3-run victory demonstrated their maturity in the face of pressure and set the tone for a gripping season to come in the 2025 MLC.

MI New York vs Texas Super Kings: Match Scorecard

Texas Super Kings – 185/6 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Devon Conway (wk)	65 (44)	Michael Bracewell	2/34 (4)
Calvin Savage (c)	53 (34)	Sunny Patel	1/23 (3)
Milind Kumar	19 (13)	Ehsan Adil	1/36 (4)

MI New York – 182/8 (20 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Monank Patel	62 (44)	Adam Milne	3/22 (4)
Michael Bracewell	38 (21)	Mohammad Mohsin	1/27 (3)
Kieron Pollard	32 (16)	Noor Ahmad	1/33 (4)

VPL 2025, 2nd Semi-Final: Pagariya Strikers vs Orange Tigers Full Match Highlights

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:10:19 GMT

In a tense Semi-Final 2 of the 2025 Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) between Pagariya Strikers (PAS) and Orange Tigers (ORT) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, Pagariya Strikers won the toss and elected to bowl first. In a thrilling low-scoring drama, the Pagariya Strikers recovered from a late meltdown to pursue the target with only two wickets remaining, clinching a victory to remember and securing their spot in the VPL 2025 final against NECO Master Blaster.

Orange Tigers Innings

Orange Tigers were bowled out for 132 in 19.2 overs after batting first. Wicket-keeper opener Rohit V. Binkar held the innings together with a vital 52 off 41 balls, and Akshay Karnewar (21 off 14) and Yash Rathod (18 off 13) contributed with brisk runs. But the middle and lower order could not capitalize on the platform as the Pagariya bowlers kept on coming at regular intervals. Ashit Singh starred with the ball, claiming 3/10 in just 3 overs. Dipesh Parwani (2/29) and Kaustubh Salve (2/23) added to the pressure with disciplined spells, restricting ORT to a below-par total.

Pagariya Strikers Innings

Chasing 133, Pagariya Strikers managed some dodgy moments to reach 133/8 in 19.2 overs. Ashit Singh continued his all-round performance, making a breezy 33 off 20 balls, while MD Faiz (33 off 36) steadied the innings with some middle-overs solidity. Skipper Yash Kadam added a crucial 32 from 27 balls. Although there was a courageous comeback by Akshay Karnewar (3/21) and Minar Sahare (2/18), the Strikers managed to surpass the target in the last over. Tushar Suryavanshi (1/1) also staged a late drama, but Pagariya maintained their composure to seal a closely fought victory.

With this dramatic victory, Pagariya Strikers will now take on NECO Master Blaster in the grand final of VPL 2025. Both sides have displayed great form throughout the competition, and they will be all set for a thrilling contest for the VPL 2025 title at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

Pagariya Strikers (PAS) vs Orange Tigers (ORT): Match Scorecard

Orange Tigers – 132/10 (19.2 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Rohit V Binkar (wk)	52 (41)	Ashit Singh	3/10 (3)
Akshay Karnewar	21 (14)	Dipesh Parwani	2/29 (4)
Yash Rathod	18 (13)	Kaustubh Salve	2/23 (3.2)

Pagariya Strikers – 133/8 (19.2 Overs)

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Ashit Singh	33 (20)	Akshay Karnewar	3/21 (4)
MD Faiz	33 (36)	Minar Sahare	2/18 (4)
Yash Kadam (c)	32 (27)	Tushar Suryawanshi	1/1 (0.2)

SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 3 Recap – Key performances and major highlights

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:22:19 GMT

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.

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

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

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Mitchell Starc	58* (136)	Kagiso Rabada	4/59 (18)
Alex Carey	43 (50)	Lungi Ngidi	3/38 (13)
Marnus Labuschagne	22 (64)	Marco Jansen	1/58 (18)
Josh Hazlewood	17 (53)	Wiaan Mulder	1/18 (8)

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

Batting	Runs (Balls)	Bowling	Wickets/Runs (Overs)
Aiden Markram	102* (159)	Mitchell Starc	2/53 (9)
Temba Bavuma	65* (121)	Pat Cummins	0/36 (10)
Wiaan Mulder	27 (50)	Josh Hazlewood	0/43 (13)
Ryan Rickelton	6 (8)	Nathan Lyon	0/51 (18)