Aiden Markram delivered a heroic performance on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, playing a knock that could define his career. Batting against a strong Australian bowling attack at Lord’s, the South African opener remained unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls, guiding his team close to a historic victory.
Markram reached his century in style with a boundary off Josh Hazlewood in the final overs of the day. With South Africa needing 69 more runs to win, Markram’s composed innings has put them on the brink of their first ICC trophy since 1998.
Probably the best cricket moment in South Africa cricket history
Aiden Markram ♥️#WtcFinal2025 pic.twitter.com/eMgdAr2jzU
— Ash (@Ashsay_) June 13, 2025
100 up for Aiden markram
whole proteas are proud of you man🙇 pic.twitter.com/v2XyUaUQLu— Johnny🦅 (@Swayamkrushi0) June 13, 2025
AB De Villiers standing up and appreciating Aiden Markram's hundred. pic.twitter.com/tPNo9qQ7XA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 13, 2025
A century of the highest class from Aiden Markram! 💯🔥
Composed under pressure, fearless in execution, what a time for a knock for the ages. 🇿🇦💪
A phenomenal player rising to the occasion when it matters most. Take a bow, Markram, pure brilliance! 🔥👏 #WTCFinal #WozaNawe… pic.twitter.com/8a56K43jpf
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 13, 2025
Building the Chase Amid Early Wickets
Chasing a challenging target of 282, South Africa had a shaky start. Markram opened alongside Ryan Rickelton, but the early breakthroughs by Mitchell Starc left the Proteas in trouble. Both Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder were dismissed within the first 18 overs, intensifying the pressure.
However, Markram held his ground and didn’t let the momentum slip. Displaying patience and technical mastery, he kept the scoreboard ticking. The turning point came when he found an able partner in captain Temba Bavuma, and together, they steadied the innings with an unbeaten 148-run stand for the third wicket.
Joining an Elite WTC Final Club
Markram’s century etched his name in the history books, making him only the third batter to score a century in a WTC final. He joins the elite company of Australia’s Steven Smith and Travis Head, who notched hundreds in the 2023 WTC Final against India at The Oval. What sets Markram’s innings apart is the context — a tense run-chase with a major title on the line.
His calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure underlined his maturity and value to the South African Test setup. As the final day approaches, Markram’s unbeaten ton has not only inspired his teammates but also given South African fans renewed hope of ICC glory after a long drought.
This innings might well be remembered as one of the finest in Test championship history if South Africa manages to cross the finish line.
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