WTC Final: South Africa 94/2 at Tea on Day 3, Need 188 More to Clinch Maiden Title

London, June 13– The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s is delicately poised, with South Africa reaching 94 for 2 at tea on Day 3, still needing 188 runs to defeat Australia and claim their first WTC title.

Chasing a target of 288, the Proteas began cautiously but suffered an early setback when Mitchell Starc removed Ryan Rickelton for just six. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder then revived the innings with an enterprising half-century stand, displaying controlled aggression. However, Starc struck again, dismissing Mulder for 27 just as momentum seemed to shift in South Africa’s favor.

Skipper Temba Bavuma, who joined Markram at the crease, had a nervy start—surviving a close chance on just 2 runs and needing treatment for a hamstring concern. He remained unbeaten at tea, while Markram looked composed and authoritative, closing in on a half-century at 49 not out.

The pitch at Lord’s has largely appeared benign but has shown occasional signs of variable bounce, keeping the Australian pacers interested.

Earlier in the day, it was Starc’s bat that made headlines. Coming in lower down the order, the left-arm seamer played a counterattacking unbeaten knock of 58 runs, adding 59 valuable runs for the final wicket alongside Josh Hazlewood (17). Their partnership took Australia’s second innings total to 207, setting a target that could yet prove challenging. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball for South Africa, taking nine wickets in the match and consistently troubling the Aussie batters.

With eight wickets in hand and 188 runs to get, South Africa will look to build partnerships in the final session, while Australia’s experienced pace attack will aim to seize key breakthroughs and defend their WTC crown. A tense, thrilling conclusion to the final looms.