Markram, Bavuma guide SA close to victory against Australia; need 69 to win on Day 4

When Australia wrapped up their second innings after securing a lead of 282, it seemed like a daunting target for South Africa. But skipper Temba Bavuma led from the front, supported by a brilliant century from Aiden Markram, as South Africa inched closer to their first major ICC trophy.

Heading into Day 4 of the World Test Championship final, the Proteas need just 69 runs to seal victory against the defending champions, with eight wickets still in hand. With Aiden Markram (102) and Temba Bavuma (65) unbeaten at the crease, a historic win at Lord’s now looks increasingly inevitable.

South Africa started their chase with a shock from Mitchell Starc, who dismissed opener Ryan Rickelton with just nine runs on board. The Australian pacer also took the wicket of Wiaan Mulder, who added 27 runs. 

Opener Markram was then joined by Bavuma, and the pair took on the Aussie bowlers effortlessly. They slowly inched their team towards the target and added 143 runs to the third wicket partnership.

Earlier, ahead of Day 3 of the final, former England star Kevin Pietersen said Lord's had 'the most perfect weather' for South Africa to get 200-odd runs to win. It was clear that Pietersen expected the Proteas to remove the two remaining Australian wickets within a few overs when they resume at 144/8.

But before the South Africans could exploit the conditions, Australia's last wicket pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood paid heed to Pietersen's advice, adding a precious 59 more, stretching their lead from the overnight total of 218 to a solid 281.

Starc remained unbeaten on 58 off 136, while Hazlewood made 17 off 53 before part-time spinner Aiden Markram got him out.

Kagiso Rabada, who removed Nathan Lyon early on the day, finished with 4/59, taking his match tally to 9 wickets. Australia are the defending champions while South Africa haven't lifted an ICC trophy in nearly 30 years.

Brief scores: Australia 212 & 207 in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58 not out, Alex Carey 43, Kagiso Rabada 4/59, Lungi Ngidi 3/38) vs SA 138 & 213/2 in 56 overs (Aiden Markram 102 not out, Temba Bavuma 65 not out, Mitchell Starc 2/53)