Australia set 282-run target for South Africa in WTC Final

Australia have set South Africa a target of 282 runs to win the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 title after being bowled out for 207 in their second innings on day three at Lord’s.

The day began with Australia at 144/8. They lost Nathan Lyon early when he was trapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada for just two. However, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated the Proteas with a crucial last-wicket partnership.

Starc led the resistance with the bat, bringing up his 11th Test half-century and sharing a valuable 59-run stand with Hazlewood. Their efforts helped push Australia’s lead past 250, giving their bowlers something to work with.

The innings finally ended at 207 when Aiden Markram dismissed Hazlewood for 17. Starc remained the standout, scoring a gritty 58.

Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, taking four wickets to add to his five in the first innings. Lungi Ngidi chipped in with three, while Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Markram claimed one each.

Earlier, Australia had a rough second day with the bat, collapsing from 28/2 to 73/7. Despite efforts from Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to stabilise the innings, South Africa’s pacers ran riot. Five wickets fell for just 45 runs.

A late recovery came from Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, who added 61 for the eighth wicket. Carey scored 43 off 50 balls, while Starc stayed unbeaten on 16 at stumps that evening.

In the first innings, Australia were bowled out for 212, with Beau Webster scoring a quick 72 and Smith contributing 66. Rabada led the attack with a five-wicket haul, supported by Jansen’s three wickets.

South Africa replied with only 138, struggling against Pat Cummins, who took 6 wickets. Starc took two, giving Australia a strong first-innings lead.

Now, with a target of 282, South Africa face a tough challenge as they aim to win their first WTC title at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.