Introduction: South Africa eye historic chase in WTC Final 2025
South Africa is daring to dream as they chase a tough target of over 200 runs against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. With just two days of play gone and a result expected on Day 3 at Lord’s, this final is turning into a real nail-biter.
Batting hasn’t been easy on a pitch offering plenty for the fast bowlers – sharp seam, unpredictable bounce, and constant threat. After two brutal days, 14 wickets have fallen, and scoring just 42 runs collectively across both innings highlights how tricky survival has been. South Africa now trails by 218 runs, with only two wickets in hand heading into Day 3.
David Bedingham stood tall for the Proteas, top-scoring with a gritty 45 off 111 balls. His patient knock has kept South Africa in the fight. “It’s a huge opportunity,” he said. “The energy in the dressing room is buzzing. We truly believe we can pull this off.”
That belief comes largely from their bowling performance. South Africa’s pace attack came out firing in Australia’s third innings, reducing them to 73 for 7 at one stage. It was only through some resistance from Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc that Australia managed to inch their lead past 200. “To have them at 220 for 8 – we would’ve taken that any day,” Bedingham added.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, who earlier dazzled with a career-defining 6 for 28 (and joined the elite 300-wicket club), acknowledged the tense nature of the match. “The way things are going, it looks set for a Day 3 finish,” he said. “The pitch is still offering a lot – just when you think it’s settled, one jumps or seams sharply.”
While Australia’s top order has stumbled, Cummins was satisfied with the cushion of a 200-plus lead. “Once I came in, I knew anything above 200 would feel competitive. If we can add another 20-30 runs in the morning, that would be a bonus.”
As for the pitch, both sides agree – it’s been a battle. “It’s a proper Test match surface,” Cummins said. “Disciplined bowling is being rewarded, and it keeps everyone in the game.”
Bedingham offered some hope for batters ahead of the third day. “The wicket has slowed a little, so edges might not carry as much. But that means straighter deliveries become even more dangerous. We have to be sharp.”
He emphasized South Africa’s mindset will be all about commitment. “No room for hesitation. Whether it’s front foot or back, we have to fully commit. These bowlers will punish any indecision.”
Victory here would be historic for South Africa. It would mark their first ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy and go some way in healing the wounds of past heartbreaks – like the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India. And to do it at Lord’s, the home of cricket, would be truly special.
As Day 3 looms, everything is on the line. A dramatic climax awaits, and South Africa stands just a few bold moments away from rewriting history.
