London, June 14 (V7N) — South Africa is now just 69 runs away from ending their 27-year ICC title drought, standing on the brink of victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s, England. However, given South Africa’s history of faltering in high-pressure matches, fans remain cautiously optimistic.

The Proteas, often labeled ‘chokers’ for repeatedly stumbling in major ICC tournaments, are determined to shake off that tag. The target of 282 runs in the fourth innings of a Test final is no easy feat, but South Africa has shown remarkable grit so far. Their last ICC trophy came in 1998, when they won the inaugural Champions Trophy in Dhaka.

At the heart of this determined chase stands Aiden Markram, who played an innings for the ages. Markram notched up his eighth Test century, becoming the first South African to score a century in the final of any ICC event. His sublime innings of 102 off 159 balls* has brought the Proteas within touching distance of history.

Markram’s century has also written his name into multiple record books:

  • First South African to score a century in an ICC final.

  • Third batsman overall to score a century in a WTC final at Lord’s, after Steve Smith and Travis Head.

  • Third player to score a century in any ICC final at Lord’s, joining legends Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards.

  • Sixth overseas batsman to score a fourth-innings century at Lord’s, alongside greats like Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge.

  • Second highest number of fourth-innings centuries among Test openers (3), behind Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Smith (4 each).

  • Ninth player in Test history to score a century in the second innings after a duck in the first.

Supported by Temba Bavuma — who is battling injury but still anchoring the innings — Markram has helped forge a 143-run unbeaten partnership that has left the Australians searching for answers. Steve Smith, who dropped Bavuma and injured his finger in the process, is off the field, further weakening Australia’s efforts.

Earlier, Markram and Wiaan Mulder put on a valuable 61-run partnership, stabilizing the innings after the early loss of Ryan Rickelton. Despite knowing they would have to chase the second-highest fourth-innings total in Lord’s history, South Africa has risen to the challenge with determination and composure.

For Australia, concerns over Smith’s injury add to the mounting pressure as they attempt to avoid watching their rivals claim the prestigious WTC mace on cricket’s grandest stage.

If all goes to plan, South Africa could seal victory within the first session of Day 4 today (Saturday, June 14), completing a remarkable turnaround in their ICC tournament fortunes and writing a new, glorious chapter in their cricketing history.

Will this finally be the moment the ‘chokers’ label is buried for good? All eyes will be on Lord’s as South Africa marches toward destiny.

END/MSS/AJ