The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is once again the stage for high drama, as Australia and South Africa battle in the ICC World Test Championship Final of 2025. With Australia setting a challenging target of 282 runs, South Africa finds itself needing to break records to claim its maiden ICC title. As Day 3 unfolds, South Africa stands at 94/2 in pursuit, still requiring 188 runs, with Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma holding the fort after the early loss of Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder for 27.
WTC Final 2025: A classic in the making between South Africa and Australia
The ongoing WTC final has already delivered a roller-coaster of emotions. Australia, after being bowled out for 212 in the first innings, watched Pat Cummins spearhead a ruthless bowling display, picking up 6/28 and skittling South Africa for just 138. The Aussies then managed 207 in their second innings, thanks to Mitchell Starc’s gritty unbeaten 58 and a crucial last-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood. This set South Africa a daunting 282-run chase—one that would require them to achieve the joint second-highest successful run chase in Lord’s history. As Day 3 enters its second session, South Africa’s openers have given them a solid platform. Markram remains unbeaten on 49, Bavuma is on 11, and the Proteas are 94/2 after 23 overs. With the pitch easing under the London sun, but history and pressure weighing heavily, South Africa’s pursuit of 282 runs is as much a battle against the past as it is against the Australian attack.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest pacers to take 300 Test wickets in terms of balls ft. Pat Cummins
Top 5 highest successful run chases at Lord’s in Test cricket
Lord’s is renowned for its challenging conditions—its unique slope, overcast weather, and the pressure of history. Chasing over 200 runs in the fourth innings here is a rare feat, achieved successfully only four times before in 23 attempts. Here are the five highest successful run chases at Lord’s:
| Rank | Score | Team | Opponent | Year | Notable Performers |
| 1 | 344/1 | West Indies | England | 1984 | Gordon Greenidge (214 not out) |
| 2 | 282/3 | England | New Zealand | 2004 | Nasser Hussain (103 not out), Strauss (83) |
| 3 | 279/5 | England | New Zealand | 2022 | Joe Root (115 not out), Ben Stokes (54) |
| 4 | 218/3 | England | New Zealand | 1965 | Ted Dexter (80 not out), Geoff Boycott (76) |
| 5 | 193/5 | England | West Indies | 2012 | Alastair Cook (79), Ian Bell (63 not out) |
- 1984: West Indies’ 344/1 remains the gold standard, with Gordon Greenidge’s unbeaten double century leading the way in a nine-wicket win over England.
- 2004: England’s 282/3 against New Zealand saw Nasser Hussain anchor the chase with a century, this is the mark South Africa must at least equal to win the current final.
- 2022: England’s 279/5 ushered in the ‘Bazball’ era, as Joe Root’s unbeaten 115 helped chase down New Zealand’s 277 in just 78.5 overs.
- 1965: England’s 218/3 was built on the back of Geoffrey Boycott and Ted Dexter’s solid knocks against New Zealand.
- 2012: England’s 193/5 against West Indies, with Alastair Cook and Ian Bell starring, rounds out the top five.
South Africa’s current chase of 282 would match the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s if completed. However, the venue’s reputation for favouring bowlers in the fourth innings, thanks to its slope and unpredictable weather, means the odds are stacked against the Proteas. Their best-ever chase at Lord’s is a modest 15/0 with victory by 10 wickets, and their highest in England is 283/5 at Edgbaston in 2008. Yet, records are made to be broken. With Markram and Bavuma set, and a deep batting lineup to follow, South Africa’s quest for their first ICC title is alive. Should they succeed, their chase will be etched in Lord’s folklore, joining the pantheon of great run chases at the Home of Cricket.
Also READ: Matthew Hayden explains why the Cummins-Hazlewood-Starc trio is better than McGrath-Lee-Gillespie
Source link
