WTC Final: Kagiso Rabada's heroics followed by Aiden Markran-Temba Bavuma stand put South Africa on brink of historic win at Lord's

South Africa are on the brink of a historic win at iconic Lord's Stadium after a great all-round performance, led by Kagiso Rabada's nine-wicket haul and a great batting display from skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Aiden Markram. Chasing a daunting target of   282 set by Australia, South Africa found their rhythm thanks to a fluent century from Markram (102*) and a fighting unbeaten 65* from Bavuma. The Proteas need 69 runs to win the WTC final. 

After bowling on South Africa for just 138 runs in the first innings on Day 2, Australia batters struggled to get a commanding lead and by the end of the day they had slumped to 144 for 8. The was bright and sunny, which helped Mitchell Starc (16 overnight) and Nathan Lyon (1) to resume Australia's innings. Lyon could only add a single run before departing for a total of 2.

After Lyon's dismissal, Josh Hazlewood joined Mitchell Starc and both stars put on a remarkable 59-run partnership for the tenth wicket, setting a new record for the highest last-wicket stand in any ICC final. Starc remained unbeaten on 58 off 136 deliveries, hitting five boundaries, while Hazlewood contributed a patient 17 off 53 balls. Their partnership propelled Australia to 207, setting South Africa a target of 282 runs.

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In South Africa’s second innings, Kagiso Rabada again led the attack with four scalps, while Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets. While chasing in the second inning, South Africa lost opener Ryan Rickelton early for just 6. However, Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder steadied the innings with a much-needed 61-run partnership for the second wicket. Mulder scored a composed 27 off 50 balls, including five boundaries.

Markram, unfazed, reached his half-century off 69 balls, anchoring the innings with poise. Captain Temba Bavuma joined him at the crease at No. 4 and had an early scare, surviving a major reprieve when Steve Smith dropped a simple catch at slip off Mitchell Starc while Bavuma was on just two.