The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. As we move into Day 3, Australia have set South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs to win the prestigious WTC mace. With South Africa at 39/1 after 7 overs, the match is delicately poised, but Australia hold the upper hand. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Day 3 conditions and who is likely to win.
Day 3 summary
At the end of Day 2, Australia were struggling at 144/8 in their second innings, with a lead of 218 runs. However, a stubborn last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood on Day 3 changed the game. Starc, unbeaten on 58, played a gritty knock, while Hazlewood added 17 runs. Their 59-run stand for the 10th wicket frustrated South Africa’s bowlers, pushing Australia’s total to 207 all out. This set South Africa a daunting target of 282 runs, which would equal the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s, matching England’s 282/3 against New Zealand in 2004.
South Africa’s chase began shakily, with Mitchell Starc striking early to dismiss Ryan Rickelton, leaving them at 39/1 after 7 overs. Markram and Mulder are now tasked with steadying the innings, but Australia’s fearsome pace trio of Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will be tough to handle.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Lord’s pitch has been bowler-friendly so far, with 28 wickets falling in the first two days. Seam movement and bounce have troubled batters, but the pitch is expected to flatten out on Day 3 as the sun shines brightly, potentially aiding South Africa’s batters. Former England star Kevin Pietersen noted that the sunny conditions on Day 3 could be ideal for batting, giving South Africa a chance to chase the target if they play smartly. However, the new ball will remain a challenge, especially with Australia’s bowlers in top form.
Key performances
For Australia, Mitchell Starc has been the star, not only with the ball but also with his vital 58 not out, which helped set a formidable target. Pat Cummins, who took 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings, remains a major threat. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada has been outstanding, finishing with 4/59 in Australia’s second innings and a match haul of 9 wickets. Temba Bavuma’s gritty batting in the first innings, alongside David Bedingham, showed South Africa’s potential, but their batting depth is a concern.
Who Is Likely to Win?
Australia are currently the favourites to retain the WTC title. The target of 282 is steep, as only four 200-plus chases have been successful at Lord’s in Test history. South Africa’s batting has shown fragility, and with their score at 39/1, they face a tough task against Australia’s experienced bowling attack. Social media sentiment on X also leans towards Australia, with some fans predicting South Africa may struggle to reach even 150 runs.
However, South Africa have a slim chance if Mulder and Markram can build a solid partnership and survive the new ball. The Proteas’ pace attack, led by Rabada, has kept them in the game, and their batters showed resilience in the first innings. If they can bat patiently and capitalize on the improving conditions, a historic chase is possible.
Conclusion
Day 3 promises an exciting finish to the WTC Final. Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc and Cummins, give them the edge, but South Africa’s batters have a chance to pull off an upset if they play with discipline. With the match likely to conclude today, cricket fans are in for a dramatic showdown at Lord’s.