Markram, Bavuma Take SA to the Cusp of a Famous Win

Duo put together an unbeaten 143-run stand as the Proteas staged a brilliant comeback against Australia on Friday

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Fourteen wickets fell on Day 1 of the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa. Day 2 saw another 14 wickets fall. Then, came Day 3 and the sun. Suddenly, a pitch that looked tailor-made for bowling eased out. Just four wickets fell on a day that the South Africans will remember with great cherish.

To begin the day, Mitchell Starc made 58 not out in Australia's second-innings total of 207 all out on the third day, to leave South Africa chasing 282 for victory in the London sunshine. Australian skipper Pat Cummins, during the end of the Day 2 presser, had hoped for 20-30 runs in the morning, he got his wish and more.

Once Australia got those runs, most would have installed them as favourites. But South Africa, particularly Aiden Markram (102*) and Temba Bavuma (62*), had other ideas. They put together a 143-run partnership to take the Proteas to the doorstep of a very famous win. At the close of play on Day 3, SA were 213/2, needing just 69 more to win with eight wickets in hand.