SA vs AUS https://www.cricketwinner.com SA vs AUS Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:54:40 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[5 major international cricketing events to look forward to in 2026 ft. Men's T20 World Cup]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-major-international-cricketing-events-to-look-forward-to-in-2026-ft-men-s-t20-world-cup/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-major-international-cricketing-events-to-look-forward-to-in-2026-ft-men-s-t20-world-cup/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:37:37 GMT

Cricket at the international level never lacked in 2025, especially from the standpoint of India. The men's team won the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE, while the women’s team made history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup. South Africa was the main character in the Test scenario, as they not only defeated India and thus won a very tight series, but ended up victorious in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Meanwhile, Australia took back the Ashes from England after defeating them at home, thus retaining the trophy.

In light of these events, the year 2026 is already seeing the glimmer of another entertaining chapter in the game. Cricket fans will witness a continuity of action through global ICC tournaments and high-stakes bilateral conflicts. Let us take a sneak peek at the five international cricketing events in 2026 that are going to be the most exciting to watch.

1 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Certainly, the year will be marked by the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the prime attraction. The tournament is going to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 and is going to feature the defending champions India who will be entering the World Cup exceptionally under pressure and with huge expectations especially because of the favorable home conditions.

A total of 20 teams are going to fight for the title, Organised in 4 groups of 5 each. India is drawn into Group A with Pakistan, Namibia, the United States, and the Netherlands, a group that assures thrilling matches and early controversies. The top two performing teams of each group will proceed to the Super Eight stage, then to the semifinals and finally to the championship match.

India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and with Axar Patel as vice-captain, will be very much intent on retaining their title and once more proving their mettle in the shortest format.

2 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

The women's game is developing and growing more and more, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be another landmark event. The tournament will take place in England from June 12 to July 5.

New Zealand will be the defending champions after getting their first title in 2024. India's squad will be full of hope to go really far this time after being runners-up in several earlier tournaments. The Indian women's side comprising both young and experienced will consider this championship as a golden chance to snatch their first T20 World Cup title. With full stadiums and a robust fan base in England, a very close cutoff and excellent tournament are what the fans can look forward to.

3 Cricket in the 2026 Asian Games

For the Asian Games, cricket has been scheduled again, and this time it will take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The Asian Cricket Council has announced that 10 men's and 8 women's teams will participate, and they were selected according to the continental rankings.

ALSO SEE: Zimbabwe Cricket condoles Sikandar Raza on tragic loss of younger brother

This will be the fourth time cricket is played at the Asian Games. In 2010, 2014, and 2023, it was already on the agenda. India is entering as the reigning champion in both men's and women's categories, having taken home gold in Hangzhou.

The event not only grants awards but also acts as a battleground for the new Asian teams that want to test their skills against the big cricketing nations.

4 India Tour to New Zealand

India's journey to New Zealand will be one of the most difficult assignments of the year. The 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle includes India playing two Test matches, which will most probably take place in October–November 2026.

Usually, New Zealand has been a tough place for India in red-ball cricket. Out of the 25 Tests played at New Zealand, India has managed to win only five and has lost ten, while the rest have been drawn. The trip is also rumored to host three ODIs which will extend the competition even more.

Given the conditions that are friendly to the seamers and the constant swing, India's performance across all areas of batting, bowling, and fielding will surely be tested through this series.

5 Australia tour of South Africa 

The world cricket scene has very few rivalries that can match the one between Australia and South Africa, and the 2026 series is already expected to be an intense one. Australia will be traveling to South Africa, where they will play three Test matches as part of the WTC 2025–27 cycle and three ODIs, probably in September–October.

The two sides feature terrific pacers in their respective lineups, and games played in South African conditions are hardly ever boring. The presence of World Test Championship points will make it aggressive cricket, fiery spells, and tightly contested encounters all through the tour.

]]>
<![CDATA[CSK's new signed player gears up for another white-ball milestone ahead of the South Africa vs Australia ODI series]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/csk-s-new-signed-player-gears-up-for-another-white-ball-milestone-ahead-of-the-south-africa-vs-australia-odi-series/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/csk-s-new-signed-player-gears-up-for-another-white-ball-milestone-ahead-of-the-south-africa-vs-australia-odi-series/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:02:07 GMT

South African batting prodigy Dewald Brevis eyes another significant milestone ahead of South Africa's upcoming ODI series starting on August 19. The 22-year-old Protea youngster has been on a roll in the ongoing Australia tour. There are tell-tale signs to conclude that the cricketer has come a long way. Brevis put on a show in the second T20I by smashing his career-best 125 to power South Africa to a thumping series-levelling win. He subsequently followed it up with a brilliant half-century in the decider, which unfortunately came in a losing cause.

His exploits with the bat didn't go unnoticed. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions, were keeping a very close eye on Brevis's recent run in Australia. Due to the non-availability of a few players, Brevis was featured as a replacement player for CSK at the fag end of the last season. Needless to say, Brevis had a promising run with the Yellow Brigade in the last season, averaging nearly 40 with two half-century scores to his name. Undoubtedly, CSK wanted to sign him for the entirety of the IPL 2026 season, a move which sparked public outrage as the fans accused CSK of violating the auction rules. 

While the future for the young batting star looks bright, there seems to be another milestone waiting for him in white-ball cricket. For the first time in his professional international career, Brevis could be in with a chance to feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia.  

See also: South Africa tour of Australia 2025: Schedule, squads, venues & how to watch

ODI debut on the cards for Brevis

According to the latest reports, Brevis could be all set to make his ODI debut for South Africa on Tuesday. The Proteas are scheduled to play the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia on August 19 in Cairns. Speculations of his maiden ODI appearance have been rife. Brevis has already made appearances for South Africa in the T20Is and Tests. While most of his appearances have come in the shortest format, Brevis also managed to make his Test debut against Zimbabwe, very recently in June. The ODI format is the only format that has been left untouched till now. 

All of that could change when the first ODI game gets underway later today. South Africa, in the quest for bringing about the right balance between youth and experience are actively on the lookout for a young all-format specialist batter, who can be an adaptable assest across all conditions. Brevis roared with the bat in the recently concluded T20I series, finishing as the highest run getter. South Africa would be hoping that he fires with the bat again to take South Africa to a rare ODI series win in Australia. 

Brevis is far too familiar with the 50-over format. In List-A cricket, the 22-year-old batting icon has amassed 1065 runs in 24 innings at a remarkable average of 48.40. In addition, the youngster has also slammed four centuries and seven half-centuries, making him an obvious force to reckon with in the domestic 50-over circuit. 

 

 

]]>
<![CDATA[WTC Final breaks new records in live broadcast and digital records]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wtc-final-breaks-new-records-in-live-broadcast-and-digital-records/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wtc-final-breaks-new-records-in-live-broadcast-and-digital-records/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:26:32 GMT

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, which saw South Africa and Australia play at Lord's, has created a new record for broadcast and digital viewing in India. The match that happened from June 11 to June 14 that had great drama ended with South Africa winning by five wickets in their first WTC title.

This third edition of the WTC Final became Star Sports network’s highest-rated and most-watched non-India Test match on television, clocking an impressive 2.94 billion minutes of viewing and reaching 47 million viewers. On digital platforms, the match recorded 225 million views—the highest ever for a non-India Test—nearly matching the audience figures for the 2023 final between India and Australia at The Oval.


A total of 109,227 fans went to Lord's over four days, further demonstrating the fixture's appeal. There were also some astounding performances from Aiden Markram, who scored 136 to win the match in the fourth innings, and Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets in the match, which helped South Africa achieve a famous victory.

Jay Shah Hails Global Passion for Test Cricket and Broadcast Excellence

ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the significance of the record-breaking viewership numbers with the news, particularly in India.

“The remarkable viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship Final, across both broadcast and digital platforms, are a powerful testament to the appeal of high-quality Test cricket and the elevated context of the WTC Final,” said Shah.

“This format continues to command a loyal and passionate global following and remains an integral part of our sport’s identity.”

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan officially releases debut autobiography 'The One.'

He also applauded the role of the ICC’s broadcast partner in enhancing the match experience for viewers.
“A special mention to JioStar, whose innovative and immersive coverage captured the drama, emotion, and atmosphere of the ‘Ultimate Test’ in a way that deeply resonated with audiences around the world.”

“What makes this success even more special is the enthusiasm shown by fans in regions beyond the two competing nations, reaffirming that cricket’s reach is truly international and that the purest form of the game can thrive beyond national affiliations.”

]]>
<![CDATA[Keshav Maharaj credits Lord Hanuman for WTC triumph against Australia]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/keshav-maharaj-credits-lord-hanuman-for-wtc-triumph-against-australia/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/keshav-maharaj-credits-lord-hanuman-for-wtc-triumph-against-australia/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:17:30 GMT

Keshav Maharaj, who was born on 7 February 1990 in Durban, South Africa, is an Indian-origin left-arm orthodox spinner with ancestral ties to Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. One of the most consistent bowlers in South African cricket, he was the supporting pillar of the team that won the 2025 WTC Final, removing Alex Carey and delivering a tight spell in the second innings to support Kagiso Rabada's 9-wicket haul in their record 5-wicket victory over Australia.

South Africa started Day 4 on 213/2, requiring 69 runs to chase the 282-run target. They chased it down successfully in 83.4 overs despite a late fright off Mitchell Starc's 3/66. Aiden Markram's unbeaten 136 (caught by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood) was the cornerstone of the innings, while David Bedingham (21) and Kyle Verreynne (4)* finished the chase.
The win was South Africa's first WTC title and their first ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.

"In Hanuman I Trust": Maharaj's Faith and Spiritual Strength
Following the victory, Maharaj attributed Lord Hanuman's favor to his team's success, an indication of his strong spiritual faith.
According to his post-match remarks, he attributed his trust in Hanuman for strength, a theme that has characterized his cricketing career. The Times of India reported this.

See Also: 'If we could achieve this feat..' - Shardul Thakur makes huge claim ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

Devotion to Hinduism is nothing new for Keshav Maharaj

Maharaj has consistently expressed his Hindu faith on and off the field. Following South Africa’s 2023 World Cup win over Pakistan, he posted “Jai Shree Hanuman” on social media. In 2024, he declared, “I am a devotee of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram,” in reference to his entrance song ‘Ram Siya Ram, which gained popularity among fans.

His bat, emblazoned with the ‘Om’ symbol, went viral during the 2023 World Cup, symbolizing the spiritual strength he draws from his beliefs. From spinning out top batters to inspiring fans with his unwavering faith, Keshav Maharaj stands not just as a cricketer but as a symbol of dedication—both to his craft and to his spiritual roots.

]]>
<![CDATA[Rishabh Pant pens emotional note for LSG teammate after WTC final]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rishabh-pant-pens-emotional-note-for-lsg-teammate-after-wtc-final/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rishabh-pant-pens-emotional-note-for-lsg-teammate-after-wtc-final/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:17:11 GMT

Rishabh Pant posted a heartfelt message for his Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) teammate Aiden Markram after the historic win of South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who is with India's team gearing up for the England Test series, took to social media to praise Markram's match-winning century over Australia on Saturday, June 14.

Pant, who led LSG in the just-concluded IPL 2025, has grown close to foreign teammates Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram. Although LSG missed out on a playoff spot, both Markram and Pooran impressed with the bat, scoring 445 and 524 runs, respectively. Earlier this week, Pant also paid tribute to Pooran after the West Indies star announced his retirement from international cricket.

In the wake of South Africa's five-wicket win over Australia, which finally ended their ICC title drought, Pant lauded Markram's calmness and brilliance during the final. Addressing him as his "brother," India's star player wrote:

A Bond Beyond Franchises

"Well played, Aiden, brother. I am so happy for you—what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud, and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace," Pant tweeted on X.

See Also: MLC 2025, SF vs NY Match 6: Oakland Coliseum cricket stadium stats and Head to Head

Pant is already in Kent, taking part in India's intra-squad warm-up match as part of their build-up to the five-Test series against England, which starts on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. South Africa, on the other hand, will play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe from June 28 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

]]>
<![CDATA[WTC Final 2025: Aiden Markram reveals how the T20 World Cup heartbreak propelled him onto the path of glory]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wtc-final-2025-aiden-markram-reveals-how-the-t20-world-cup-heartbreak-propelled-him-onto-the-path-of-glory/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wtc-final-2025-aiden-markram-reveals-how-the-t20-world-cup-heartbreak-propelled-him-onto-the-path-of-glory/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:07:04 GMT

South Africa, at last, have managed to overcome their ICC knockout jinx by clinching their maiden ICC title win in nearly 27 years. The Proteas' opening batter Aiden Markram played an instrumental role in propelling the Rainbow Nation on the path of glory on the back of his resilient match-winning knock of 136. With the WTC Final coming to an end, Markram opened up about how South Africa's painful T20 World Cup Final defeat last year inspired him to strive for glory. 

Being the captain of the South African side at that time, South Africa came agonizingly close to clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title, but just threw it away in the dying moments of the run chase to fall seven runs short. A year later, the 30-year-old ensured that there was no stone left unturned. 

See also: Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

Markram unravels the key motivating factor behind his match-winning knock

While speaking about his heroic knock during the post-match presentation, Markram took the clock back to 2024 and reflected on how hopeless he and his entire team felt when they crashed out of the T20 World Cup final against India. Knowing that the team was within touching distance of creating glory, and to meet such a disappointing end was certainly a tough pill for the SA skipper to swallow. 

But an inner voice from within gave him the faintest of encouragements, making him feel that it was probably not a great idea to sit in one place and sulk your life away over a defeat.

"I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how hopeless I felt sitting on the side after getting out. I was like, I don't want to sit there again. So, this gave me a bit of motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease, if I could. But never once thought about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about just trying to get the job done and trying to win."

Markram responded with force and resilience when South Africa took the field in the second innings. The team, after being annihilated for 138 in the first innings, had a lot of catching up to do against a quality pace attack from Australia. Markram soaked in a lot of pressure early doors and forged a defiant 147-run stand to roll back the Australian aggression.

Markram offered the bulk of the resistance and produced one of the most epic innings of the ICC finals, scoring 136 off 207 to power his side to a five-wicket win. While doing so, Markram is now the third batter to have a century against Australia in an ICC final, after Clive Llyod and Aravinda de Silva.

]]>
<![CDATA[[WATCH] WTC Final SA vs AUS: Relive History in making as South Africa win ICC title after 27 years]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-wtc-final-sa-vs-aus-relive-history-in-making-as-south-africa-win-icc-title-after-27-years/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-wtc-final-sa-vs-aus-relive-history-in-making-as-south-africa-win-icc-title-after-27-years/ Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:35:34 GMT

South Africa manage to do the unthinkable at Lord's by clinching their first-ever ICC title since 1998. History has been made as South Africa managed to come from behind, getting bowled out cheaply for 138 in the first innings, to trump the tournament favorites Australia in a thumping fashion in the World Test Championship Final 2025. The South African wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne seized the winning moment by hitting the winning runs and getting South Africa over the line by five wickets. 

The South African camp was all smiles, and celebrations erupted in the stands when Verreynne hit that boundary. This historic WTC Final win meant so huge that even on-air commentators such as Graeme Smith and Shaun Pollock were overwhelmed with emotions.

See also: [WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Kyle Verreynne takes stunning one-handed catch down leg side to dismiss Travis Head in SA vs AUS

Watch the winning moment:

Needless to say, it was a battle for the ages. The fierce rivalry between Australia and South Africa had us all on the edge of our seats for four straight days. The Proteas gave the defending champions a tough fight. Despite some sporadic brilliance from Australia in certain phases of the game, South African players stepped up when it mattered the most. Markram and Bavuma set the tone and put on a match-winning stand of 147 runs under tricky circumstances to give South Africa an outright chance of emerging victorious in the final. Although the latter was removed early doors on day four, Markram pushed on and amassed 136 runs to see his side home. The two powerhouses battled it out and gave it their all, but as it turns out, it is South Africa who will now have the possession of the WTC Test mace and be heading home proudly. 

It was years in the waiting for the Rainbow Nation. The Proteas encountered several hiccups and heartbreaks in the ICC events, the most recent of which was their shocking defeat against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. The ICC title would agonizingly elude them for generations, and an elimination certainly seemed to be on the cards if they ever made it to the knockout phase. But this dynamic South African team defied all odds and ended their 27-year-long drought by registering a memorable ICC title win in the WTC 2025 Final.

]]>
<![CDATA[SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 4 Recap – Key performances and major highlights]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sa-vs-aus-wtc-final-2025-day-4-recap-key-performances-and-major-highlights/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/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)

BattingRuns (Balls)BowlingWickets/Runs (Overs)
Aiden Markram136 (207)Mitchell Starc3/66 (14.4)
Temba Bavuma66 (134)Josh Hazlewood1/58 (19)
David Bedingham21* (49)Pat Cummins1/59 (17)
Wiaan Mulder27 (50)Nathan Lyon0/66 (26)

See Also: Watch: Dream delivery from Mitchell Starc takes the wicket of Tristan Stubbs during WTC Final 2025

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.
]]>
<![CDATA[SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 Day 3 Recap – Key performances and major highlights]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sa-vs-aus-wtc-final-2025-day-3-recap-key-performances-and-major-highlights/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/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.

See Also: MLC 2025, NY vs TEX Match 2: Oakland Coliseum cricket stadium stats and Head to Head

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

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

BattingRuns (Balls)BowlingWickets/Runs (Overs)
Mitchell Starc58* (136)Kagiso Rabada4/59 (18)
Alex Carey43 (50)Lungi Ngidi3/38 (13)
Marnus Labuschagne22 (64)Marco Jansen1/58 (18)
Josh Hazlewood17 (53)Wiaan Mulder1/18 (8)
 

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

BattingRuns (Balls)BowlingWickets/Runs (Overs)
Aiden Markram102* (159)Mitchell Starc2/53 (9)
Temba Bavuma65* (121)Pat Cummins0/36 (10)
Wiaan Mulder27 (50)Josh Hazlewood0/43 (13)
Ryan Rickelton6 (8)Nathan Lyon0/51 (18)

 

]]>
<![CDATA[What are the highest successful 200+ chases in Tests at Lord’s before SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final?]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/what-are-the-highest-successful-200-chases-in-tests-at-lord-s-before-sa-vs-aus-2025-wtc-final/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/what-are-the-highest-successful-200-chases-in-tests-at-lord-s-before-sa-vs-aus-2025-wtc-final/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:06:40 GMT

One of the most well-known cricket grounds in the world is London's Lord's Cricket Ground. Known as the "Home of Cricket," it has played host to numerous historic Test matches. At Lord's, it is difficult to win a match by chasing a large target in the fourth innings. In the final days, the pitch becomes rougher and slower, making it difficult for hitters to hold their own against excellent bowling.

  • South Africa 2nd Innings: 94/2 in 24 overs (57.1 overs total)
  • Tea Break Status: Trailing by 188 runs (target: 282)
  • Current Run Rate (CRR): 3.92

As we anticipate the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa, let's take a look at the most successful 200-run chases in Test history at Lord's. Interestingly, prior to this final, there had only been three such chases.

1. England – West Indies – 342/1 (1984)

When the West Indies team chased down a target of 342 runs in the fourth innings in 1984, it was the most successful run chase at Lord's. Gordon Greenidge, who scored an unbeaten 214 runs, was the match star. Larry Gomes, who was not out on 92 runs. One of the most memorable wins in Test cricket was achieved by the West Indies, who took just one wicket and easily chased the total. This chase stunned England and demonstrated the 1980s West Indies team's strength. It was a batting masterclass, demonstrating timing, patience, and when necessary, power hitting.

2. England vs. New Zealand, 282/3 (2004)

When England chased 282 runs against New Zealand in 2004, it was the second-highest successful chase at Lord's.Two English greats stood out in this game: Nasser Hussain scored an undefeated 103, and Andrew Strauss scored 112 runs. With just three wickets lost, their composed and assured partnership helped England win handily. Since it was Nasser Hussain's final Test match, this one was especially memorable. After he hit the winning runs, he declared his retirement. At the Home of Cricket, his century and game-winning performance made for the ideal send-off.

Also Read: GLO vs SOM Dream11 Prediction Today: Fantasy Cricket Tips PlayingXI and Pitch Report

3. England vs. New Zealand, 277/5, 2022

   In 2022, England tried to reach another lofty goal of 277 runs, this time against New Zealand. This time, Joe Root's outstanding unbeaten 115 led the team to victory. Ben Stokes, who was recently named captain, led this victory. Fans came to refer to the team's aggressive and upbeat style of cricket as "Bazball," which was characterized by a fearless batting approach.In addition to securing the win, Root's innings became a landmark in English cricket history as it saw him surpass 10,000 career Test runs.

]]>