South Africa set 282 to win WTC final vs Australia

With the weather conditions improving slightly after a cloudy morning, the Australian tailenders resisted South Africa’s bowlers for a significant period. Starc, unbeaten on 58, provided the backbone to Australia’s lower order as he and Hazlewood added 59 crucial runs for the final wicket. This partnership proved vital in pushing the Australians’ total up from a precarious position, keeping the South African bowlers at bay just long enough to frustrate the opposition.

Hazlewood, who had earlier struggled against the South African pacers, was dismissed shortly before the lunch break, caught behind off the bowling of Anrich Nortje for 17, bringing an end to the Australian innings. Australia’s efforts, bolstered by Starc's late heroics, saw them set a modest target of 282, with the South African side now needing to negotiate the final 98 overs remaining in the match.

Australia’s innings had begun on a strong note after they resumed play in the morning, still holding a slight advantage from their first-innings lead of 74. However, the South African bowlers, led by Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, had made quick work of the Australian middle order, dismissing key batsmen including Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Steve Smith, who could not replicate their previous successes in the series.

Starc's resistance came after a shaky start to the second innings, as Australia's top order crumbled under the pressure of some excellent bowling by South Africa. Despite the loss of wickets at regular intervals, Starc held firm, showing his resilience and grit as he anchored Australia’s lower order through the final stages.

For South Africa, the task now is clear: they must chase down 282 runs on the final two days of play, and they have the resources to do it. Their batting lineup, though, will need to play with caution and composure, as the pitch at Lord's, though still offering some bounce, has shown signs of becoming more unpredictable.

Nervous but Confident South Africa Look to Rewrite History

With the target now set, all eyes will be on South Africa’s chase, with their opening pair of Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram tasked with giving the team a steady foundation. South Africa has a strong lineup, but there is no denying that chasing 282 in a high-pressure final at Lord’s is no easy feat. They have been in this situation before, having successfully chased challenging totals in Test cricket over the last few years.

The batting conditions are expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers, with the odd ball taking uneven turns and potentially troubling the lower-order batsmen. However, the South African batsmen, led by captain Temba Bavuma, will be keen to put their best foot forward and execute their chase with precision, discipline, and patience.

South Africa will also be looking to their key players like Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen to anchor the middle order and keep Australia’s bowlers at bay. Rabada, Nortje, and the rest of the South African attack have also shown that they can make breakthroughs when required, and they will need to hold their nerve as they look to seize the advantage over the next two days.

A Tale of Two Teams in the Final

The final has been a tense affair so far, with both teams having their moments. Australia, under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, started the match strongly, with the fast bowlers proving difficult to face early on. But the South Africans, led by Bavuma, have shown resilience and determination, making their way back into the contest after a first innings where they were restricted to just 278 runs, a score that left them trailing by 74.

Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc and Hazlewood, have consistently found ways to break partnerships, but the South African team has shown grit in their ability to weather the storm. With the match delicately poised heading into Day 4, the outcome is far from certain, and it promises to be an exhilarating contest.

A Historic Finish on the Cards?

Both teams are desperate to make history, with the stakes high for a coveted spot in the World Test Championship’s history books. South Africa, led by Bavuma, will be hoping to end their 20-year wait for an ICC title in the format, while Australia will look to add to their growing collection of global honors and retain the WTC crown.

As the final sessions approach, all eyes will be on the batsmen at the crease and the men who bowl for both sides. The match is set to unfold into a thrilling finish, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.

With a target of 282, South Africa has their work cut out for them, but the drama and tension of a World Test Championship final have only just begun.