South Africa Nears Historic Win Over Australia on Day 4 of WTC Final at Lord’s
Lord’s, London – June 14, 2025: South Africa is on the brink of a remarkable win over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, needing just 35 runs with six wickets in hand by the 73rd over on Day 4.
After being set a challenging target of 282, the Proteas reached 247 for 4 at the time of the latest update. Aiden Markram has anchored the innings with a commanding 122 not out, while Australia’s bowlers are battling hard in the final session.
Latest Wickets
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Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 66, caught by Carey off Cummins, leaving South Africa at 214/3.
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Tristan Stubbs fell to a stunning delivery from Mitchell Starc, bowled for 8. Starc delivered a wide, angled ball that just clipped the leg bail, bringing Australia a glimmer of hope at 241/4.
Current Situation (As of 73 Overs)
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South Africa: 138 & 247/4 (chasing 282)
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Australia: 212 & 207 all out
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Runs Needed: 35
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Overs Remaining: Plenty (likely a Day 4 finish)
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Top Performers:
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Markram – 122 (not out)*
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Pat Cummins – 1 wicket, critical breakthroughs
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Starc – Turned the momentum briefly with Stubbs' wicket
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Match Summary So Far
Australia batted first and posted 212, with South Africa replying with 138. In their second innings, Australia were bowled out for 207, leaving the Proteas a target of 282 to win the final and claim the Test Championship crown. Despite the pressure, South Africa’s top order showed composure and resilience under testing conditions.
Fan Experience & Venue Concerns
Several fans reported long entry queues at Lord’s on Day 4, with some missing early action due to delays at gates. The unusually slow entry on Saturday puzzled many, especially as previous days saw smoother access.
Additionally, cricket fans and commentators have been actively debating whether future WTC Finals should be held in non-English venues such as Eden Gardens, Wankhede, or even MCG, depending on fan turnout and neutrality. India, despite having iconic stadiums, has struggled with crowd numbers even during home Tests due to accessibility and viewing comfort.
Final Word
With only a few runs to go, South Africa stands on the verge of a historic Test triumph, showcasing patience, technique, and grit against one of the world’s strongest bowling attacks. As the drama unfolds at Lord’s, fans worldwide are watching closely as the World Test Championship Final nears a thrilling finish.
