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Key Points

Keshav Maharaj fought back tears as South Africa closed in on their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title. Aiden Markram's unbeaten century and Temba Bavuma's gritty half-century put the Proteas 68 runs from victory at Lord's. Earlier, Mitchell Starc's heroic 58* nearly derailed South Africa's chase of 282. The emotional moment highlights South Africa's long wait for ICC silverware.

Key Points: Keshav Maharaj Emotional as South Africa Near WTC Title vs Australia

  • Aiden Markram's century anchors Proteas chase
  • Temba Bavuma battles injury in gritty 65*
  • Mitchell Starc's 58* nearly derails SA
  • Maharaj emotional over potential ICC triumph
2 min read

It would mean everything: Keshav Maharaj as South Africa edge closer to WTC title

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj fights tears as South Africa chase historic WTC Final win against Australia at Lord's, led by Markram and Bavuma.

"It would mean everything... to see how long it's taken for this country to hold some ICC trophy – Keshav Maharaj"

London, June 14

At the end of play on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against Australia at Lord's on Friday, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj became emotional, saying that a victory would mean a great deal not only for the players but also for the fans who have supported the team through thick and thin.

South Africa edged closer to their maiden ICC world title, thanks to a historic century by Aiden Markram and an unbeaten half-century from skipper Temba Bavuma. The Proteas ended Day 3 at 213/2, just 68 runs away from a landmark win, with eight wickets in hand.

Speaking to ICC Digital after the day's play, Maharaj said, "It would mean everything, not just to us (the players) out there or the fans here, but to everyone back home. To see how long it's taken for this country to hold some sort of ICC final trophy in their hands."

Overcome with emotion, he added, "I'm sorry, I'm getting a bit teary-eyed, but I think it would be a privilege to be a part of this. We've faced a lot as a country. And to see it come--well, not to get ahead of ourselves--but to nearly get there is a very special feeling. So special."

Markram remained unbeaten on 102 at stumps, anchoring the innings with calm assurance. Bavuma, despite nursing a hamstring injury, displayed remarkable grit to stay not out on 65. Earlier in the day, a vital half-century partnership between Markram and Wiaan Mulder had set the tone for South Africa's chase of 282.

Australia had started Day 3 at a fragile 152/9 but were buoyed by a sensational innings from Mitchell Starc. The tailender played one of the finest knocks of his career, scoring an unbeaten 58 to help Australia reach 207 all out, setting a challenging target for South Africa.

As the final heads into its decisive phase, the Proteas stand on the brink of ending their long wait for an ICC trophy.

- ANI

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R
Rahul K.
What a match! South Africa deserves this after years of heartbreaks. Remember 1999 World Cup semi-final? This redemption would be poetic. Markram's century was pure class 👏 Hope they don't choke this time!
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Priya M.
Maharaj's emotions show what cricket means to nations beyond the 'Big 3'. As an Indian, I can relate - we waited 28 years for our 2nd WC! Hope SA wins, but Starc's knock was unbelievable. Test cricket at its best!
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Arjun S.
Why is ICC scheduling WTC final during monsoon season? India's tour of SA got affected last year due to rain. Hope Lord's weather holds up! Anyway, Bavuma playing through injury shows real captain's grit 💪
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Sneha R.
Emotional moment for Maharaj ji! Reminds me of Dhoni's tears after 2011 WC win. Cricket connects us all beyond borders. Though I wish India was in the final, happy to see underdogs shine. Markram's technique is textbook perfect!
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Vikram J.
Respect to SA team, but ICC needs to fix the WTC format. How is a one-off final fair after 2 years of cricket? Should be best-of-3 series. Also, why no reserve day when rain is predictable in England? 🤔

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