South Africa is within touching distance of their first World Test Championship title, needing just 69 more runs on the fourth day, thanks to a magnificent, unconquered 143-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram reached his eighth Test century (156 balls) in the dying moments of Day 3, while Bavuma displayed immense grit, defying a hamstring injury to guide his team.
This crucial second-wicket stand, forged over 38 overs of impeccably controlled batting, effectively repelled Australia’s attack on a pitch that, under consistent sunshine, was at its most batsman-friendly throughout the Test. The resilience shown by Markram and Bavuma was foreshadowed earlier in the day when Australia’s last-wicket pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated South Africa by adding 59 runs in 22 overs.
Despite setting a target of 282, Australia initially felt in control. However, after an early setback with Ryan Rickelton’s dismissal, South Africa batted with a noticeable urgency, reaching 47 for 1 after just 10 overs, a stark contrast to their sluggish first innings. Mitchell Starc struck again to remove Wiaan Mulder, but a pivotal moment followed when Steven Smith at first slip dropped Bavuma on 2. The sharp chance resulted in a compound dislocation of Smith’s right little finger, forcing him off the field in clear agony.
Adding to the drama, Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury shortly before tea but bravely continued, mixing hobbling with crisp stroke-play. While Australia had an opportunity to target the injured batsman in the field, the closest Bavuma came to a mistake was a top-edged shot off Nathan Lyon on 43, which substitute fielder Sam Konstas couldn’t quite reach.
Meanwhile, Markram’s innings was almost flawless, characterized by consistent scoring and handsome boundaries, including a precise back-cut off Starc and a sweet straight drive against Hazlewood that took him to 97. His century arrived with a whip through the leg side as the day drew to a close. Despite Pat Cummins utilizing all his bowling options, nothing could break the resolute partnership.
Australia’s Last-Wicket Stand and South Africa’s Dominant Chase
Earlier in the day, Australia’s last-wicket pair of Starc and Hazlewood significantly extended their lead beyond 200, frustrating South Africa after they had conceded a 74-run first-innings advantage. Although there was little expansive batting, the duo looked untroubled for large periods, hinting at the improved batting conditions. Starc, who shielded Hazlewood at times, particularly against Rabada and Marco Jansen, brought up his first half-century since 2019, while Hazlewood produced a memorable ramp shot over the slips. The resistance finally ended when Markram, the sixth bowler used in the session, dismissed Hazlewood, setting South Africa a chase of 282.
