The target of 282 runs in the fourth innings of a Test is a big score, and its significance as the final of an ICC tournament is even greater. However, South Africa, who have not won an ICC tournament since 1998, are desperate to prove that it is not impossible. They even got the nickname ‘Chokers’ next to their name after losing the top four in any format of the World Cup. Now, they are shaking that off and grabbing the opportunity to make history!
The Proteas ended the third day at 213 for 2 against Australia in the ongoing World Test Championship final at Lord’s, England. They need 69 more to win. The team may not be completely confident just because it is South Africa. They have a history of not being able to handle pressure in big matches. However, with the bat of Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, the Proteas are on the verge of fulfilling their dream. Markram, who is unbeaten after completing his eighth century, is probably playing the best innings of his career so far.
South Africa has won five Test cricket matches by chasing more than 250 runs, three of which were against Australia. The last time they won in Perth in 2008, they chased 414 runs. Perhaps Bavuma’s team took the field to capitalize on that. Although their third day was quite stressful. Australia, who had scored 144 for 8 the previous day, added 63 more runs to the scoreboard on the third day yesterday. Mitchell Starc, who has set multiple world records, played an innings of 58 runs, which took Australia’s total to 207 in the second innings.
Before going into bat, South Africa knew they had to chase the second highest target at Lord’s. However, Markram, who was called out in the previous innings, came to open. However, this time he did not falter. Fellow opener Ryan Rickelton returned in the third over, the team’s run was only 9. Which was enough to instill fear in the minds of the Proteas, who were bowled out for 138 runs in the first innings. The pair of Markram and Wian Mulder alleviated that fear to some extent with a partnership of 61 runs.
Mulder settled down at the crease but lost a wicket by mistake. He lost his focus on Starc’s delivery and was caught at short cover by Marnus Labuschagne. Earlier, he scored 27 runs off 50 balls. In such a situation, the Proteas needed a big partnership. However, captain Bavuma caught him at slips for 2 runs on his own as soon as he came to the crease. Steve Smith got injured while trying to catch it, and the catch also slipped. Bavuma, having gained new life, made an effective partnership of 143 runs with Markram. He batted with a hamstring injury. At the end of the day, Bavuma was 65 and Markram was unbeaten on 102 runs.
Starc took both wickets in this innings for Australia. The Proteas batters have handled the rest of the bowlers with care. At the moment, the winning streak is definitely against the defending champions. Unless something big happens, it will be difficult to bring the entire momentum to their side! The title of the third edition of the Test Championship can be confirmed in the first session of the fourth day today.
