LONDON — In a thrilling turn of events at the World Test Championship final held at Lord’s on Friday, South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma and dynamic batter Aiden Markram steered their team towards a remarkable victory against Australia. Despite an injured left hamstring, Bavuma, alongside the impressive Markram, stitched together an uninterrupted partnership of 143 runs, leaving South Africa needing just 69 more to secure their first ICC trophy in 27 years.
Chasing a target of 282, the Proteas stood firm at 213-2 by the end of day three, with Bavuma producing a courageous 65 not out while Markram commanded with 102 not out. Despite Australia’s relentless attacks employing four of their top all-time test wicket-takers, boasting over 1,500 wickets combined, the South African duo remained unfazed and largely untroubled throughout the session.
The pitch flattened significantly on the third day, offering minimal assistance to the bowlers compared to the first two days where a total of 28 wickets fell. In stark contrast, Friday saw only four wickets tumble, none of which occurred post-tea.
Australia appeared to have an advantage as South Africa embarked on their chase just after lunch. The Proteas’ batting lineup, a work-in-progress, faced Australia’s formidable test bowling lineup. A victory would require equaling England’s record chase from 2004 at Lord’s. The largest successful chase in the venue’s history was achieved by the West Indies in 1984, scoring 344-1.
When Mitchell Starc sent Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder back, South Africa found themselves at 70-2 but seemed undeterred. Their approach, absent in the first innings, shone through as they rotated the strike efficiently. Australia’s bowlers were only able to deliver three maiden overs in 56, credited to spinner Nathan Lyon.
Starc had the opportunity for another wicket at 76-3 when Bavuma, on just 2 runs, edged one to slip. However, Steve Smith, standing unusually close to the wicket due to the lack of carry in the ball all game, couldn’t hold onto Starc’s 138 kph delivery, resulting in a broken right pinkie finger. Smith exited immediately for medical treatment, which ruled him out of the rest of the match and likely the upcoming series in the West Indies.
With a stroke of luck, Bavuma, on the brink of 9, strained his hamstring shortly before tea. Despite visible discomfort, he persisted after receiving on-field care. Post-tea, he inspired the South African supporters with impeccable pulls, sweeps, and limping but determined runs.
Markram, demonstrating his prowess, reached his half-century in 69 deliveries. Among his 11 fours, a late cut off Starc skillfully threaded past two defenders, stood out. Lyon bowled 18 overs, coming close to the wickets a couple of times and saw Bavuma mis-hit at 43. However, substitute fielder Sam Konstas failed to secure the diving catch.
Bavuma hit his 50 from 83 balls, and Markram’s celebration of his eighth test century just before stumps was understated, merely lifting his bat in acknowledgment while receiving applause and a warm embrace from his captain.
The success on Friday the 13th was a stark contrast to the day’s discouraging commencement for South Africa. Although they anticipated initiating their chase in the morning, Australia’s resistance postponed it. Lyon quickly fell, granting Kagiso Rabada his ninth wicket in the match, yet tailenders Starc and Josh Hazlewood tested their patience for almost two draining hours.
Both lower-order batsmen surpassed their typical test batting performances, with Hazlewood launching Marco Jansen over the slip cordon, while Starc accomplished his 11th test fifty and first in six years. Their admirable partnership eventually concluded at 59, tying the test record for a 10th-wicket stand. Hazlewood was dismissed at 17 by part-timer Markram, whereas Starc remained unbeaten at 58 from 136 balls. Entering at 73-7 when Australia led by 147 runs, he collaborated primarily with Alex Carey and Hazlewood to compile an additional 134 runs.
These contributions, coupled with South Africa’s 20 no balls, seemed to have left Australia in a favorable position. However, Bavuma and Markram, leveraging their confidence and a conducive pitch, defied the odds, thereby scripting an exciting narrative in their pursuit of glory.