13:36

Stripping of schoolgirls: Fadnavis orders strict action

13:21

Exercise not the problem, timing is: SC to EC on SIR

13:06

ECI protest case: court discharges TMC Derek O'Brien, Sagarika Ghose

12:42

Seven injured as bus overturns in J-K's Udhampur

12:39

Gurugram issues 'work from home' advisory for offices after heavy rain

12:24

9 Detectives We Loved

11:58

SC steps in for Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen

11:55

Indian team to visit US for another round of tariff talks

11:50

Dabur Bets On Wellness Biz For Double-Digit Growth

11:48

Look How Much Investment Bankers Earned!

11:20

Vadodara bridge collapse: Toll rises to 15, four missing

11:05

Data Centres May Get Rs 1.6 Trillion Investment

WTC Final Updates: SA 213/2, need 69 for victory

Fri, 13 June 2025

Refresh

22:46

SA 213/2, need 69 for victory

SA 213-2 (56 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

South Africa endured a frustrating morning, but by stumps on Day 3, they were cruising. Just 69 runs separate them from a landmark victory at Lord's.

After Starc and Hazlewood's defiant 59-run stand pushed Australia's lead to 281, the first session belonged to the hosts. But South Africa flipped the script in dominant fashion.

On the best batting day of the Test so far- just four wickets fell all day- they chased with poise and authority. Aiden Markram led the charge with a superb unbeaten century as South Africa raced to 213/2 in just 56 overs.

With eight wickets in hand and momentum firmly theirs, they head into Day 4 as overwhelming favourites.

22:40

SA 213/2, need 69 for victory

SA 213-2 (56 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Final over of the day - Lyon has the ball in hand. Bavuma opens with a gentle push to point. He then shapes to sweep but adjusts and flat-bats it down the pitch. A solid defensive stroke follows.

Despite hobbling, Bavuma scampers through for a single. Markram sees off the last two balls with confident defence.

Stumps on Day 3- South Africa finish at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs.

Markram remains unbeaten on a superb century, while Bavuma battles through visible discomfort to keep the chase alive.

All set for a thrilling Day 4!

22:31

Century for Markram! SA 72 runs away

SA 210-2 (55 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon continues, keeping things tight. Bavuma defends patiently before finding a gap to pick up a couple of runs to end the over. After 54 overs, South Africa are 206/2 - they need 76 more to win.

Hazlewood charges in, Markram on 98. He blocks the first two deliveries with composure. Then, with a firm flick through deep mid-wicket, he brings up a brilliant century off 156 balls - a knock of high quality under pressure. A dot ball ends the over.

After 55 overs, South Africa are 210/2. They now require just 72 runs for a famous win.

22:19

SA dominate final session

SA 204-2 (53 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Hazlewood continues with a probing line. Markram defends solidly before finding the boundary to end the over, punching it through the covers with authority. After 51 overs, South Africa are 198/2. Markram moves to 97.

Lyon returns and immediately extracts sharp turn from outside off- too much for both Bavuma and keeper Carey, as it races away for byes. Bavuma gets a single through cover, while Lyon keeps things tight otherwise. Three runs from the over. After 52 overs, South Africa are 201/2, needing 81 more runs.

Hazlewood starts the next with a sharp bouncer, which Bavuma pulls for a single. Markram remains watchful in the nervous nineties, flicking one towards midwicket but straight to the fielder. He finally collects a single to move to 98. Bavuma pulls the last ball for another run. Three runs off the over.

After 53 overs, South Africa are 204/2. They now need 78 more runs to win.

22:07

Markram, Bavuma stand firm

SA 194-2 (50 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Travis Head comes into the attack, removing his pads for a quick spell. He gets immediate bite- an offbreak spins sharply and cramps Markram on the cut, nearly chopping it onto the stumps. A close call. Markram then defends solidly and works a single through point. Bavuma is watchful, playing one to mid-on before collecting a couple off the next. Dot to finish. After 48 overs, South Africa are 188/2.

Hazlewood returns and delivers a tidy over, giving away just a single. His control continues to ask questions. After 49 overs, South Africa are 189/2.

Head carries on. Markram defends a couple before nudging a single. Bavuma follows up with a crisp boundary, timing it beautifully. He then defends the final two deliveries.

After 50 overs, South Africa move to 194/2, needing 88 more runs to win.

21:51

Bavuma battles to gritty fifty

SA 185-2 (47 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Webster continues. Bavuma defends watchfully before rocking back and punching one firmly to mid-off for a single. Markram, full of confidence, pounces on a loose ball and drives it crisply to the boundary. Dot ball to finish. After 45 overs, South Africa are 184/2.

Lyon bowls a tight maiden. Bavuma shows solid technique, defending every delivery with purpose. No risks taken. After 46 overs, the score remains 184/2.

Webster continues. Markram stays composed, blocks a few, and then taps a single to rotate the strike. After 47 overs, South Africa are 185/2. They now need 97 more runs to win.

21:51

Bavuma battles to gritty fifty

SA 185-2 (47 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon bowls a tight maiden. Bavuma shows solid technique, defending every delivery with purpose. No risks taken. After 46 overs, the score remains 184/2.

Webster continues. Markram stays composed, blocks a few, and then taps a single to rotate the strike. After 47 overs, South Africa are 185/2. They now need 97 more runs to win.

21:46

Bavuma battles to gritty fifty

SA 179-2 (44 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon continues. Markram opens the face and drives through cover for a couple. He follows up with a push to cover for a quick single. Bavuma solidly defends before working one to midwicket for another run. Dot to end the over - a tidy four-run over. After 40 overs, South Africa are 164/2.

Webster is introduced into the attack- can he break this stand against the run of play? Bavuma taps to point for a single. Markram defends, then faces a delivery that climbs sharply off the pitch. Drama, but it's a no-ball - Webster has overstepped. Markram safely defends the rest. Four runs come from the over. After 41 overs, South Africa are 168/2.

Lyon continues. Bavuma opens the over with a crisp boundary, then nudges a single. Markram tries to cut but finds midwicket. He defends the remaining deliveries. Five runs from the over. After 42, South Africa are 173/2.

Webster continues. Bavuma defends, then picks up a single to deep point. Markram blocks the rest, showing patience. After 43 overs, South Africa are 174/2.

Lyon keeps going. Bavuma guides one wide of slip and scampers through - that's a hard-earned fifty off 83 balls for the South African skipper. He raises his bat to warm applause. Markram then finds the boundary with a clean stroke before defending the final two deliveries. Five more runs added. After 44 overs, South Africa are 179/2.

This partnership is growing in strength - Australia still searching for answers.

21:21

Australia rattled as SA take control

SA 160-2 (39 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Starc continues over the wicket. Bavuma drives to point but can't pierce the gap. He leans into the next delivery and pushes it to cover for an easy single, hobbling through once more.

Markram then pierces the gap between deep third and deep point for a stylish boundary. He adds another single to keep the scoreboard ticking. Six runs come off the over - after 39 overs, South Africa are 160/2.

Drinks are called. It's been all South Africa since the tea break. Markram and Bavuma have batted with discipline and purpose, steadily chipping away at the target. Bavuma, despite visibly struggling with injury, is leading from the front with grit and composure.

Australia, meanwhile, are starting to look rattled - short of ideas and increasingly frustrated.

21:11

Markram and Bavuma dominate

SA 154-2 (38 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Cummins switches ends and starts with a probing line. Bavuma shoulders arms to the first, then solidly defends the next. Just a couple of runs come off the over. After 34 overs, South Africa are 126/2.

Lyon continues from the other end. Markram defends well early in the over before nudging one for a couple. He adds two more through the leg side, though it's signaled as leg byes. After 35 overs, South Africa are 130/2.

Cummins keeps the pressure on, but oversteps and concedes a no-ball. Bavuma cashes in with a crisp boundary. He then rotates the strike, and Markram chips in with a single too. Seven runs off the over - after 36 overs, South Africa are 137/2.

Starc replaces Lyon, and Markram greets him with a boundary through point. After a couple of dots, he drives another four straight down the ground. He and Bavuma finish the over with two more singles. Ten runs off it - after 37 overs, South Africa are 147/2.

Lyon switches ends, looking for some turn. Bavuma drives effortlessly to long-on for a single. Markram defends before a delivery rips past the gate - Carey fumbles and they collect two byes. Markram then slaps a boundary, though it's signaled as a leg bye.

Seven more added - after 38 overs, South Africa are 154/2. They now need just 128 runs to win.

20:48

Smith suffers finger dislocation

SA 124-2 (33 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon returns to the attack. Bavuma flicks the first ball through midwicket and comes back for a couple. He defends a couple before slamming a boundary - a fortunate edge that runs away past the keeper. Two dot balls round off the over. After 31 overs, South Africa are 119/2.

But there's worrying news for Australia: Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation to his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon. He was immediately assessed by the Australian medical team at Lord's and taken to hospital for x-rays and further treatment.

A big blow to Australia's already under-pressure slip fielding setup.

Hazlewood continues from the other end, keeping things tight. Just a single comes off the over. After 32 overs, South Africa are 120/2.

Lyon continues to keep the pressure on. The batters look to rotate the strike, picking up a few singles. A tidy over again - four runs from it. After 33 overs, South Africa are 124/2, needing 158 more to win.

20:48

Smith suffers finger dislocation

SA 124-2 (33 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

A big blow to Australia's already under-pressure slip fielding setup.

Hazlewood continues from the other end, keeping things tight. Just a single comes off the over. After 32 overs, South Africa are 120/2.

20:39

Markram, Bavuma solidify SA's position

SA 113-2 (30 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Josh Hazlewood returns to the attack. Markram drives confidently down to long-on for a single. Bavuma is watchful before punching a crisp boundary through the covers. He adds another single to keep the scoreboard ticking. After 26 overs, South Africa are 101/2 - crossing the 100-run mark in style.

Cummins follows up with a disciplined over, conceding just a single. After 27 overs, South Africa move to 102/2.

Hazlewood continues, hitting a good length. Bavuma defends a couple before working one away to deep square leg. Markram adds a couple more with a well-placed shot and the batters rotate strike twice more to end the over. After 28 overs, South Africa are 107/2.

Cummins is back and keeps things tight again, giving away just three runs in the over. South Africa are 110/2 after 29 overs, needing 172 more runs.

Hazlewood continues to probe and draws a big shout for LBW, but it's turned down. The Australians opt not to review - rightly so, as replays confirm the ball was sliding down leg. A tidy over again.

After 30 overs, South Africa are 113/2, with the chase delicately poised.

20:10

Markram reaches fighting fifty as SA push on

SA 95-2 (25 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

The players are back on the field for the final session, and Pat Cummins has the ball in hand.

Markram is solid in defence for the first two deliveries. He then mistimes a drive to mid-on but still manages to call a limping Bavuma through for a tight single - and with that, Markram brings up a well-constructed fifty off 69 balls, earning a warm ovation from the crowd.

Bavuma shoulders arms to the next delivery, then drives firmly but straight to the fielder. Another dot ball to end the over. Just 1 run came off the over.

After 25 overs, South Africa are 95/2, needing 186 more runs for a famous chase.

19:53

South Africa steady at 94/2

SA 94-2 (24 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon continued as South Africa's batters, Markram and Bavuma, kept the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation of strike. Five runs came off the over, taking South Africa to 85/2 after 21 overs.

Starc persisted from around the wicket. Markram worked one through midwicket for a couple, moving into the 40s. A pair of singles followed, as both batters kept the momentum going. Five more runs were added - South Africa 90/2 after 22 overs.

There was a brief pause in play as Bavuma removed a pad and received medical attention for what looked like a hamstring cramp.

Lyon returned and tightened things up with a maiden over, keeping Markram watchful.

Starc pressed on. Bavuma blocked solidly before nudging an easy single to point. Markram followed with another single, keeping the board moving. Four runs came from the over - South Africa 94/2 after 24 overs, needing 188 more to win.

It's been a slow end to the session due to the medical break, but South Africa have quietly owned this passage of play. Despite losing Rickelton early to Starc's wicked outswinger, Markram and Mulder counterpunched with positive strokeplay, finding early boundaries. Lyon's early introduction added pressure, and Starc's change of angle brought the breakthrough as Mulder fell to a soft dismissal.

Bavuma came out with intent, though his innings was briefly hampered by cramps. Markram has looked assured throughout, unfazed by conditions, and is closing in on a composed half-century.

With the deficit slowly shrinking and wickets in hand, South Africa remain firmly in the hunt.

19:30

Bavuma survives early scare, SA push on

SA 80-2 (20 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Lyon continued from his end with a steady line. Markram was quick to latch onto a short ball, cutting it away for three runs. Bavuma had a nervy start - an under-edge narrowly missed the stumps and nutmegged him - but he settled down to defend the remainder of the over. South Africa moved to 75/2 after 19 overs.

Starc continued to probe from around the wicket. Markram drove confidently to deep backward point for a single. The big moment came next - extra bounce from a short-of-length delivery saw Bavuma fend with soft hands, only to get a thick edge. It flew towards a close-in wide slip, where Steve Smith, stationed with a helmet, put it down despite it coming at chest height. He looked in pain and soon walked off the field, adding drama to an already tense passage of play.

The batters managed a few more singles, taking South Africa to 80/2 after 20 overs.

19:10

Starc strikes! Mulder falls, Australia get crucial breakthrough

SA 72-2 (18 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Cummins continued, and Markram remained positive. He picked up a couple with a push into the deep and then followed it up with a crisp boundary through the off side. A single towards mid-on kept the strike rotating. Mulder saw off the rest of the over with solid defence. After 14 overs, South Africa were 58/1.

Lyon returned, keeping it tight as Markram pushed one without a run. A single followed, bringing up the 50-run partnership between Markram and Mulder - a composed and effective stand. Mulder then added to the momentum, slamming a boundary before seeing out the rest of the over. Five runs came from it - South Africa 63/1 after 15.

Cummins bowled a tidy next over, conceding just three. The Proteas pair continued to look settled - 66/1 after 16. Lyon kept probing from his end, but both batters worked the ball into the gaps and rotated strike nicely. Three more runs came from the over - South Africa 69/1 after 17.

Mitchell Starc was reintroduced, and immediately asked questions. Markram got a single to long-on. Mulder tried to drive but couldn't beat the infield. Then came the breakthrough - a change of angle from Starc did the trick as Mulder miscued a drive, spooning a low catch to Marnus Labuschagne at catching cover.

Mulder departs for a well-made 27 off 50 balls - a crucial breakthrough for Australia with South Africa now 70/2.

Bavuma is the new batter and the captain is off the mark with a couple of runs.

18:59

Proteas duo holds firm vs Aus bowlers

SA 51-1 (13 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Cummins continued his spell, and Mulder looked solid in defence. He capitalised on a slightly fuller delivery, driving it firmly for a boundary. He then settled back into defence for the rest of the over. Four runs came from it - South Africa 45/1 after 9 overs.

Hazlewood returned, and Markram neatly glanced one to fine leg to add to the scoreboard. Mulder was steady again, defending three deliveries before tucking one down to fine leg for a single. Just two runs came off the over '" South Africa 47/1 after 10.

Nathan Lyon was introduced into the attack with a slip and short leg in place. He started with a probing maiden, getting some drift and bounce, while Mulder stayed cautious and watchful. A tidy first over from the off-spinner.Cummins switched ends and continued to apply pressure. Markram defended well and then took a risky single, just making it home. It was eventually called a leg bye. Another tight over - two runs added. After 12 overs, South Africa were 49/1.

Lyon continued, and the batters kept things ticking - Mulder and Markram picked up a single each, continuing their positive approach. The partnership showed great intent, rotating the strike well and not allowing the bowlers to settle.

At drinks after 13 overs, South Africa were 51/1, needing 224 more runs.

It's been a composed and confident start from the Proteas, with Markram and Mulder soaking up pressure while keeping the scoreboard moving.

18:24

SA rebuild after early setback

SA 41-1 (8 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Hazlewood continued with a disciplined line, keeping Mulder watchful. Mulder leaned forward to defend the first, left the next, and played out four dot balls before finally breaking the shackles with a crisp boundary through cover. A dot ball ended the over - a tight one with just four runs off it. After 6 overs, South Africa were 32/1.

Captain Pat Cummins brought himself into the attack next. Markram worked the ball into the gap at point for a single, rotating the strike. Mulder defended solidly, then picked up a couple of runs with a neat push past mid-on. He was then beaten by a good delivery, but ended the over in style - punching a boundary through mid-off. Seven runs came from it, and South Africa moved to 39/1 after 7 overs.

Hazlewood returned, keeping things tight. Markram defended well before nudging a couple of runs into the leg side. The over ended with another dot - just two runs added.

After 8 overs, South Africa were 41/1, needing 241 more for a famous win.

18:08

SA rebuild after early setback

SA 28-1 (5 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Mulder walked in at No. 3 after Rickelton's early dismissal and got going after a cautious start. He defended the first two deliveries he faced before opening his account with a crisp boundary. He finished the over with a single, steadying South Africa a touch. Five runs and a wicket came from the third over- South Africa 14/1.

Hazlewood continued from the Pavilion End. Mulder added a single to keep the scoreboard ticking, before Markram drove one firmly for four. Hazlewood then beat Markram with a beauty before the batter safely negotiated the rest of the over. Another five runs added - South Africa 19/1 after 4 overs.

With three slips and a gully in place, Starc came steaming in again. He began with a good length delivery, but Mulder worked it away for a single to deep midwicket. Markram then took charge, dispatching a boundary and following it up with a couple of solid defensive strokes before unleashing another four through the off side. A dot ball closed the over.

After 5 overs, South Africa had moved to 28/1, needing 254 more for victory - a solid counterattack underway after the early blow.

18:06

Australia strike early

SA 9-1 (2.1 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

Hazlewood began his spell from the Pavilion End with a probing line. Rickelton shouldered arms to the first delivery, showing patience. The next one drew an edge, but it fell just short of a diving Beau Webster at slip - a close call early on. Markram took strike and defended solidly before nudging a couple of runs through the leg side. A dot ball ended the over.

After 2 overs, South Africa moved to 9/0, needing 273 more for victory.

Mitchell Starc to Rickelton - and he's gone! Caught by Carey! There's a quick check for a bump ball, but Australia are confident, and the replays confirm it - a clean catch. Rickelton looked to play a square drive but got a thick edge, and Alex Carey made no mistake behind the stumps.

Rickelton departs for 6 off 8 balls, and Australia strike early. South Africa are 9/1, still needing 273 runs for victory.

17:48

South Africa begin 282-run chase

SA 6-0 (1 Ovs) & 138 vs Aus 207 & 212 | Scorecard

South Africa need 282 runs to win, while Australia require 10 wickets - a classic final-day setup, though with only 65 overs left, a result might still hang in the balance. The Australian players formed a tight huddle as captain Pat Cummins delivered a brief final pep talk.

Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram then walked out to the middle, ready to face the challenge. Mitchell Starc, fresh from a brilliant 58 n.o. with the bat, took the new ball. Markram faced up first, with three slips and a gully waiting. He got off the mark with a single, handing the strike to Rickelton, who defended the next few deliveries confidently.

But he soon found his rhythm, punching a classy boundary to get off the mark in style, and added a single to close the over.

At the end of the first over, South Africa were 6/0, needing 276 more runs for a famous win.

17:42

Starc unbeaten as Aus set 282 target

Aus 207 all out (65 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Markram continued, and Starc greeted him with a boundary first ball - a confident stroke that summed up his intent. He blocked the next delivery and then tucked one through the leg side for a single, rotating the strike.

Hazlewood, solid in defence, saw off two deliveries but then went for an ambitious shot over cover. Unfortunately for him, he didn't fully commit to the stroke, and ended up chipping it straight to Maharaj, who took a sharp catch around his right shoulder. Hazlewood fell for a determined 17 off 53 balls, ending a gutsy final-wicket stand.

Australia were bowled out for 207, with Starc unbeaten on 58 - a superb rear-guard effort that pushed their lead to a commanding 281 runs.

With that, the umpires called for lunch on Day 3. It's advantage Australia, thanks to their lower-order defiance.

16:56

Starc's epic fifty defies SA

Aus 202-9 (64 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Ngidi continued from one end, with Starc driving firmly to cover but finding the fielder. He followed it up with a couple of solid defensive strokes before nudging a single down to long-on. Hazlewood, showing great patience, blocked out the remaining deliveries. After 61 overs, Australia moved to 191/9, stretching their lead to 265 runs.

Jansen was brought back into the attack. Starc played cautiously before rotating strike with a single to cover, moving to 48. Hazlewood then surprised South Africa with a crisp boundary, further adding to their frustration. A dot ball ended the over, but five valuable runs were added - Australia now 196/9 with the lead up to 270 after 62 overs.

With two left-handers at the crease, Aiden Markram was handed the ball to exploit the angle. Starc, just two away from a gritty half-century, was tested immediately. He missed one outside off, but otherwise played watchfully - a maiden over with no risk taken.

Jansen continued and Hazlewood worked a single to cover to give Starc the strike. The milestone moment arrived shortly after - an outside edge from Starc flew over the slip cordon and raced away to the boundary, bringing up his 11th Test fifty off 131 deliveries. It was a resilient, determined effort - a perfect example of old-school Test grit. Starc added another single to close the over.

After 64 overs, Australia stood at 202/9, their lead extended to a commanding 276 runs.

16:36

Starc, Hazlewood defy South Africa

Aus 190-9 (60 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Maharaj continued from one end, with Starc rotating the strike early by driving to point for a single. Hazlewood stayed composed, defending a couple of deliveries before collecting two important runs. He then blocked out the rest of the over as Australia moved to 186/9 after 56 overs.

Starc, meanwhile, reached 44 n.o. - his highest Test score since his 41 against India in the 2023 WTC Final - underlining the value of his contribution in this gritty last-wicket stand. Ngidi returned and bowled a tight maiden to Starc, who was content to defend solidly. Maharaj followed up with another maiden over, keeping Hazlewood quiet with disciplined lines. Ngidi continued to probe, and Starc finally broke the string of dot balls with an easy single to midwicket. Hazlewood once again held firm to see off the rest of the over, taking Australia to 187/9 after 59 overs.

Maharaj persisted, and Starc once again got off strike with a single. Hazlewood then added a couple more valuable runs off the final delivery, as the partnership continued to grow.

At the end of 60 overs, Australia were 190/9 - this defiant stand continuing to frustrate South Africa and add crucial runs to the total.

16:16

Starc, Hazlewood defy South Africa

Aus 183-9 (55 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Rabada continued his spell, though Maharaj was seen warming up in the background. Starc began with a solid defence, then produced a thick edge that flew safely past where a gully might have been - landing well short of deep third. No run taken. He followed it up with a single, and Hazlewood played out the rest of the over with a straight bat.

After 53 overs, Australia were 179/9.

It's a passage of play few would have predicted - Australia's last pair surviving for over an hour. Drinks were taken with the lead steadily growing and the frustration mounting for South Africa.

Maharaj entered the attack after the break and started with a no-ball. Starc defended patiently and ended the over by nudging a single. After 54 overs, Australia had moved to 182/9.

Ngidi was brought back into the attack. Starc defended the first ball and picked up a single off the next. Hazlewood then edged one that fell just short of slip, adding to South Africa's frustration. He defended the remainder of the over.

Just one run came off it, and after 55 overs, Australia were 183/9 - the lead continuing to grow, run by run.

16:01

Australia's last pair frustrate SA

Aus 178-9 (52 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Rabada continued his search for the final wicket, steaming in with intensity. Starc drove the first delivery to mid-on for no run, was beaten by the next, and then settled into defence. He eventually managed a single to mid-off, before Hazlewood calmly blocked out the last two balls. Just one run came off the over, but with it, Australia's lead swelled to 239 - putting them in a commanding position at 165/9 after 49 overs.

Jansen kept at it from the other end. Starc defended the first two deliveries and then swayed under a sharp bouncer. He followed that with a powerful boundary, sending more frustration South Africa's way. A single followed as the partnership continued to grow, while Hazlewood held firm to see out the over. After 50 overs, Australia moved to 170/9. Rabada returned, but Starc showed no signs of backing down. He defended the first ball before punching the next for a boundary, compounding South Africa's woes. A few more dots followed, before he picked up a single to close out the over. Five runs came off it, with Australia reaching 175/9 after 51 overs.

Jansen continued to probe, but Starc remained solid in defence for the first three balls before squeezing out a couple of more runs. Every run was being cheered by the Australian camp - and every one felt like a dagger for the South Africans. After 52 overs, Australia were 178/9.

15:45

Australia's last pair frustrate SA

Aus 164-9 (48 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Jansen was introduced into the attack, and Hazlewood began the over with a miss before settling into defence. He managed to steal a quick single, handing the strike to Starc. Facing a short delivery outside off, Starc executed an awkward, straight pull - not perfectly timed but well placed past mid-on for one. Hazlewood closed the over with a solid block. After 46 overs, Australia inched up to 158/9.

Rabada continued from the other end, bowling a tight maiden to Starc, giving him no room or opportunity to score. It was a clinical over, maintaining the pressure.

Jansen pressed on, but Hazlewood broke the shackles with a crucial boundary - a crisp shot that added valuable runs to Australia's total. He followed it up with a couple more runs before defending the rest. Six runs came from the over, frustrating South Africa as the last pair continued to chip away.

After 48 overs, Australia stood at 164/9 - every run now proving vital.

15:26

Rabada dismisses Lyon, Aus 9 down

Aus 156-9 (45 Ovs) & 212 vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Hazlewood joined Starc at the crease with Australia nine down. He saw off the final two deliveries of Rabada's over with a straight bat, as the scoreboard remained unchanged at 148/9 after 43 overs.

Wiaan Mulder came around the wicket to Starc but overstepped first ball '" a no-ball called. The batters managed to pick up a single each, rotating the strike. Hazlewood was beaten once but held firm to see out the rest of the over. After 44 overs, Australia crept to 152/9.

Rabada returned, chasing his 10th wicket in the match - a milestone achievement, especially in a World Test Championship final against Australia.

But Starc had other plans. He pierced the field with a well-timed boundary, the ball racing away. Rabada tightened up quickly, conceding nothing more.

Just four runs came off the over as Australia moved to 156/9 after 45 overs.

15:15

Rabada dismisses Lyon, Aus 9 down

Aus 148-9 & 212 (42.4 Ovs) vs SA 138 | Scorecard

Day 3 began on a solemn note, with players and spectators observing a minute's silence in tribute to the victims of the Air India Ahmedabad plane crash. As play resumed, Kagiso Rabada took the ball with two slips and a gully in place, needing two wickets to complete a 10-wicket haul in the match. Lyon got off the mark with a single to square leg, while Starc cautiously saw out the rest of the over. Just one run came from it, taking Australia to 145/8 after 41 overs.

Wiaan Mulder bowled a tidy maiden from the Pavilion End, with Lyon solid in defence.

Rabada returned and Starc took him on, lofting one back over the bowler for a couple, albeit without great timing, and followed it up with a single. Lyon, however, was trapped in front soon after. The umpire raised the finger instantly, and Lyon, confident there was no bat involved, went for the review. Ball-tracking confirmed Rabada's delivery was hitting leg stump flush - Lyon gone for 2 off 13 balls. Australia 148/9.

14:53

WTC Final on a Knife-Edge

Day 2 of the WTC Final at Lord's had it all - 14 wickets, fierce spells, and a match swinging wildly.

Pat Cummins starred early, bagging his 300th Test wicket in a brilliant 6-for to hand Australia a 74-run lead. But Rabada and Ngidi hit back hard, slicing through the top order to leave Australia reeling at 73/7.

Carey and Starc steadied things with a gritty 61-run stand before stumps. It could've been worse - Jansen dropped Starc in the day's final over.

With a 218-run lead on a tricky pitch, every run now matters. Day 3 is set up perfectly.

WTC Final Updates: SA 213/2, need 69 for victory

TOP STORIES