The World Test Championship final is heating up. Australia set a target of 282 runs for South Africa. The Proteas didn’t get off to a great start, losing Ryan Rickelton early. But then Aiden Markram took charge. He scored a century, his 100 coming off 156 balls. Markram is still at the crease, unbeaten on 102. He’s hit 11 fours so far.
Markram and captain Temba Bavuma have put on a century partnership for the third wicket. Bavuma is batting solidly on 65. At the end of day three, South Africa are 213 for two. They need just 69 runs to win their first ICC title in 27 years.
Only two batsmen had scored centuries in the World Test Championship final before Markram. Both were Australians – Steve Smith and Travis Head. They scored centuries against India in the 2023 final. Smith made 121, with 19 fours. Head scored 163, with 25 fours and a six. Their knocks helped Australia win the title.
Markram is now the third batsman to achieve this feat. He’s guiding South Africa towards a historic win. The Proteas are close to their first ICC title in 27 years. Markram’s century has given them a great chance. Can they finish the job on the final day?