South Africa Eye Historic Win in World Test Championship Final

South Africa have begun to dream of a historic victory in the World Test Championship Final, as they edge closer to chasing down a 282-run target set by Australia. At the end of Day 3, the Proteas stand just 69 runs away from glory, with eight wickets in hand and two resolute warriors — Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma — still at the crease.

Despite trailing in the first innings, South Africa adopted an aggressive approach in their second outing. Though they lost Ryan Rickelton early, Markram and Bavuma built a commanding 143-run partnership to put their team in control. Markram reached his eighth Test century, remaining unbeaten on 102 off 156 balls, while Bavuma, battling through a hamstring injury, showcased remarkable grit to stay not out on 65.

The most dramatic moment of the day came when Bavuma, on just 2 runs, offered a catch to Steve Smith. However, standing too close, Smith failed to grasp the ball and suffered a painful blow — a moment that may have tipped the momentum away from Australia. Bavuma’s innings, played through pain, has since come to symbolize South Africa's fierce resistance.

Australian captain Pat Cummins made frequent changes to his bowling attack in search of a breakthrough, but none of the bowlers could crack the Markram-Bavuma stand. Earlier, Australia’s last-wicket pair, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, stitched together a gritty 59-run partnership to bring some excitement back into the match. Starc’s 58 was his first Test fifty since 2019, while Hazlewood provided stubborn support.

Kagiso Rabada had earlier trapped Nathan Lyon LBW early in the day, seemingly signaling a quick end to Australia's innings. But the final-wicket stand changed the rhythm of the game, injecting tension into the contest.

Still, the final question remains — can Australia defend the 282-run target on this pitch? From what Day 3 has shown, it appears that South Africa’s long-awaited dream may just be a few hours away.

All eyes now turn to the morning session of Day 4: will South Africa etch their name into history, or will Australia once again lift the trophy?