Rock-Solid Markram Holds the Fort: Century Stuns in Championship Clash

Aiden Markram played an innings of his life in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's as he hit an undefeated century that has placed South Africa on the verge of their maiden WTC title. Markram's calm and serene 102* at the end of Day 3, assisted by captain Temba Bavuma's fighting 65*, took the Proteas to 213/2—only 69 runs adrift of a record victory over Australia.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠Markram became the first South African to score a century in the final of the ICC tournament, making history for himself.

 

•⁠  ⁠His eighth Test hundred came off 156 deliveries with 11 fours and was touted as one of the finest innings in a high-pressure final.

 

•⁠  ⁠The Proteas were set a tricky target of 282 to chase after dismissing Australia for 207 in their second innings, with Mitchell Starc's fighting 58* making resistance late on.

 

•⁠  ⁠Cricket legend AB de Villiers was spotted congratulating Markram on his triumph from the stands, capturing the emotional moment on his cellphone.

 

•⁠  ⁠Despite losing an early wicket during the chase, the Markram-Bavuma duo steadied the innings and foiled a world-class Australian bowling attack.

 

Prospects: 69 runs required with eight wickets in hand, and South Africa are to bring to an end a 27-year wait for a big ICC trophy. Markram's century has not only stabilized the chase but also given the Proteas confidence for a historic victory.

 

Source: BBC, AP News