Intro: A Chase That Had Indian Fans Hooked
Cricket is not only a sport in India, it is a religion. When his partner Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma put on an unbeaten 143-run partnership to lead South Africa over the line for their first World Test Championship (WTC) title in the final against Australia on June 13, 2025, Indian fans were glued to their devices. While chasing a huge total of 282 at the Lord’s cricket ground, South Africa’s thrilling comeback in the SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 had desi cricket fans on fire on X and WhatsApp. The question everyone was asking was, why? This was not a regular cricket match, it was the epitome of Test cricket, with Markram scoring a century and Bavuma defying injury to lead his team to a come-from-behind win in an iconic match.
The experience resonated for Indian viewers. We have seen our own legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma chase big totals in pressure situations. Furthermore, we not only have an established rivalry with Australia, but Indians have always appreciated underdog stories (2007 T20 World Cup, anyone!). There was a tangible connection to Markram and Bavuma’s dramatic chase. Let’s unpack this chase, how it played out, and why it has gotten people in India talking.
Aiden Markram Masterclass Century: A Knock to Remember
Aiden Markram came to the crease with South Africa struggling at 70/2 against a world-class Australian attack headed by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Indian fans watching could have been forgiven for reminiscing about Kohli’s century in Perth, 2018 – calmness, charmed, and clutch. Markram’s undefeated 102 runs off 159 balls was a masterclass, with a mix of defensive techniques and classy strokeplay.
- Key Moment: In the 55th over of the innings, Markram flicked a ball from Josh Hazlewood for a boundary to bring up his century. The Lord’s crowd applauded him, while South African fans watching on X could only cheer.
- Why it mattered: Markram’s innings kept South Africa alive in a chase that looked a long way removed from realistic after as many as 28 wickets had tumbled in the first two days.
- Indian Connect: Markram’s back-cut off Starc sparked memories of Sachin Tendulkar’s trademark upper-cuts and started a new round of nostalgia on Indian cricket forums.
Markram’s century represented more than just runs, it was about more than just runs. “2025 is certainly the year of the underdog,” former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted. This sentiment resonated with Indian fans who’ve been cheering on some recent underdog fairy tales, like the win at the Gabba in 2021, while not winning at all simply never tasted so good.
Bavuma Grit: A Captain’s Courage Across All Odds
Temba Bavuma, captain of South Africa, was not just batting – he was battling. A hamstring injury before tea left him understandably hobbling, but he finished his innings with an impressive not out on 65 off 121 balls. For Indian cricket fans, it was a moment right out of the MS Dhoni manual – fronting pain, in order to take responsibility and lead. Bavuma’s stoic resilience created a cinematic drama out of the SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025.
Why Bavuma’s Knock Stood Apart
- Defying Injury: There were limits to Bavuma’s running. However, he expertly executed some beautiful drives and pulls, showing no signs that an injury was hindering his batting.
- Leadership: I think it was not only good for South Africa but for Bavuma himself to remain in the middle even with a niggle. It gave confidence to his teammate Markram and silenced any naysayers.
- Indian Angle: Fans on X compared Bavuma to Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup Final knock, where he battled pressure throughout the innings to ensure India crossed the finish line.
Bavuma’s strong partnership with Markram assured that South Africa would finish Day 3 with an impressive total of 213/2 and required a mere 69 runs to secure their first major ICC trophy in 27 years. Indian cricket lovers, who have purposefully refrained from celebrating their own ICC triumphs, clearly understood the hunger exuding from the Proteas.
The Pitch and Conditions: Disruptor
Lord’s was a bowler’s dream on Day 1 and Day 2, with 14 wickets each day. Kagiso Rabada’s 9/110, which included a first-innings five for, saw Indian fans remember Jasprit Bumrah. While Day 3 saw the pitch dry out in the sun, allowing Markram and Bavuma to take control of the game.
- Pitch Evolution: The dry pitch as noted by Steve Smith offered little assistance to spinners such as Nathan Lyon, much to the dismay of the Australian squad.
- Batting Comfort: On Day 3 only four wickets fell, a stark contrast from the events of the first two days which assisted South Africa’s chase.
- Indian Context: Fans were reminded of India’s 2021 Test victory at Lord’s, of a similar pitch ultimately calming England’s bowlers on the last day of the Test match.
The change in conditions provided the turning point, but it was Markram and Bavuma’s skill that turned the match around. Fans in India, who were used to jumping back the other way, were now all booing for the Proteas.
Australia’s Battle: Can They Turn It Around?
Australia is still in it – the WTC champions. After Starc’s fifty (58 off 136) and some resistance from Hazlewood, the visitors declaration put the lead at 281 – a great lead to defend. BUT the bowlers couldn’t capitalise on their 1500+ Test wickets combined and break the Markram-Bavuma stand.
- Key Moment: Steve Smith dropped Bavuma on 2 – it changed the course for Australia and they have been chasing the game since then.
- It was also the point during the day when Pat Cummins had a few field placements that surprised everyone. Everyone saw comparisons with Tim Paine in the 2019 Headingley when they lost. Ironically, Cummins was in the team, no hope of winning that game.
- Indian Community hope that South Africa will finish the job, while Australians won’t have it easy, after the miracles the Australian cricket team generated.
It is 69 runs and 8 wickets remaining so you would go with South Africa after making 472 runs earlier, however, Test cricket loves a twist and Indian fans are waiting to see if the Proteas will choke or write history.
Will South Africa Have Glory?
As South Africa needs 69 runs to claim WTC glory, Indian fans will hope that Markram & Bavuma finish what they started. This chase is not only about trophies, it is about writing a new chapter in South African cricket as India did back in 2011. Will the Proteas be able to lift the mace or will Australia moblise a miracle? One thing is for certain, this SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 thriller provided Indian fans with a story they can treasure.
What do you think? Will Markram and Bavuma be able to get there or will Australia fight back? Please share your thoughts in the comments and share this article with your fellow cricket friends, and make sure to follow our blog for more WTC updates!