South Africa is confident as it chases over 200 runs against an Australian attack, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final likely to finish in 3 days at Lord’s.
While facing an extremely challenging chase on a pitch that has offered fast bowlers everything in terms of seam and bounce, they have a 218-run deficit with two second-innings wickets left at stumps on Day 2. At this stage, 14 wickets had fallen; the total of 42 runs across two days demonstrates the extreme difficulty hitting a ball that has seemed impossible to defend every time a batter has faced a ball.
David Bedingham has stocked up South Africa’s middle order after all the drama, and he was top score today with 45 runs off 111 deliveries, a toil that has put South Africa in an exciting position. “It’s an amazing opportunity and we are all so, so excited at the opportunity to win,” he said. “There is so much belief in the dressing room. We are very confident.”
That confidence is built upon a strong showing from South Africa’s seamers, who struck quickly and struck hard in Australia’s third innings. The Aussies fell to 73 for 7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc steadied things. Bedingham said there was a sense the bowling effort had generated self-belief. “When they started batting in the third innings, we would have obviously taken 220 for 8.”
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who had earlier claimed a stunning 6 for 28 and joined the 300-wicket club, noted the precariousness of the match. “The trend of the game is the runs are coming down,” Cummins said. “It’s still pretty tricky out there so it’s set up pretty well for a day-three result I would think.”
Despite struggles for the top order – which Cummins cleverly sidestepped himself – the skipper was pleased with getting the lead above the 200 mark. “When I walked out, anything above 200 felt good. Hopefully we can get another 20 or 30 in the morning.”
Cummins rated the pitch as providing a good contest. “It’s a pretty good Test match,” he said “The wicket is still doing a bit. Just when you think it has settled, one ball seams massively. Both attacks have been very disciplined.”
Bedingham echoed that hope, albeit with just slightly better batting conditions for the third day. “The wicket has certainly slowed down a little so maybe nicks won’t carry,” he said. “That maybe makes straight balls more lethal. But we will be ready.”
Bedingham stressed that South Africa’s style will be based on clarity and intent. “The main thing is to 100% commit – whether front foot or back-foot. Against these attacks, if you hesitate you will be punished.”
If they win, it will be South Africa’s first major ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy and payback for missed opportunities in the past, like the loss to India in the 2024 T20 final. To win at a place like Lord’s would be groundbreaking, yet transforming for a team long thought of as perennial bridesmaids without the silverware.
With two days gone and everything to play for, June 13 is set for a drama packed conclusion to the WTC Final – and possibly a watershed moment in South African cricket.
Read More: South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline
