The WTC final is culminating with what could possibly be a monumental achievement for the Proteas.

Things were not so ideal early on, with Mitchell Starc scoring a Test half-century for the first time since 2019. The towering left-hander added 59 runs with Josh Hazlewood, frustrating the Proteas bowlers. It took Aiden Markram’s golden arm to get the elusive breakthrough, and the 4th innings target was 282. At one point, it looked like 250 wasn’t attainable, but the Aussie lower order fought hard and fought with aplomb.

The successful day for Starc continued, as he got Ryan Rickelton to edge his out-swinger to Carey. However, this didn’t deter Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder. The two right-handers added 61 runs, but Starc had the last word yet again. Mulder checked a drive straight to Marnus Labuschagne at cover, and it was back to the rebuilding phase.

Temba Bavuma arrived at #4, and took his chances early in his innings. He injured his hamstring towards the end of the second session, but continued to bravely play through the pain. Meanwhile, Markram notched up a half-century, and continued to impress with his artistic strokeplay.

As the day came to a close, Australia were looking desperate for the first time in this match. The intensity from the ever-so-reliable pace attack started to wane, and both batters took advantage.

Markram made his 8th Test century, and the timing could never have been more opportune. The celebrations were relatively muted, as the game isn’t over yet. And the South African captain passed 50 as well.

As much as both did well to hold the fort, they were proactive to keep the score moving along at a reasonably good clip. If we play the numbers game, a little over 75% of the job is done, and the last quarter of runs is left to knock off early tomorrow.

AUS 212 + 207

SA 138 + 213/2 in 56 overs (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65* – Starc 9-0-53-2)