A truly remarkable event unfolded in the cricket world! Aiden Markram Century at the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final has made history. This stunning century has placed him in an Elite Markram Bradman List, joining many legendary players.
On Friday, during South Africa’s second innings at Lord’s against Australia, Markram achieved this incredible milestone. South Africa was chasing a tough target of 282 runs in what had been a very difficult match for batters so far.
Markram, however, stood strong. He built an unbroken century partnership with his captain, Temba Bavuma. By the end of the day, Markram was unbeaten on 102 runs from 159 balls, having hit 11 fours. Thanks to the amazing efforts of Markram and Bavuma, South Africa (also known as the Proteas) is now very close to winning their first-ever ICC world title.
First South African Century in an ICC Final
This century by Markram on Friday is an even bigger achievement because it is the first-ever triple-digit score (a century) by a South African batter in the final of any ICC tournament. This is a significant moment for South African cricket, marking a new high for the nation in major international finals. The Markram Bradman List grows with this unique achievement.
Joining Elite Fourth-Innings Centurions at Lord’s
With this hundred, his eighth in Test cricket (the longest format of the game), Markram joined a very special group of players. He is now among visiting batters (non-English players) who have scored a fourth-innings century at Lord’s. This exclusive group includes:
- Gordon Greenidge (West Indies, against England in 1984)
- Roy Fredericks (West Indies, against England in 1976)
- Michael Clarke (Australia, against England in 2009)
- Ajit Agarkar (India, against England in 2002)
- And the legendary Don Bradman (Australia, against England in 1938)
To be named alongside such giants of the game, especially Don Bradman, is an immense honour and truly places him on the Markram Bradman List.
Most Fourth-Innings Tons in Test History
This is also Markram’s third century scored in the fourth innings of a Test match. This puts him equal with some other great batters for the most fourth-innings hundreds in Test history. He now ties with:
- England’s Geoff Boycott
- West Indies’ Gordon Greenidge
- England’s Graham Gooch
Only two players have scored more fourth-innings centuries in Tests: India’s Sunil Gavaskar and former South African captain Graeme Smith, both with four each. Markram is very close to breaking even more records and further solidifying his place on the Markram Bradman List.
A Wicket and a Century in the Same Test
Markram has also achieved another rare feat in this WTC Final. He has joined a select list of South African players who have taken a wicket and scored a century in the same Test match in England. This group includes:
- Bruce Mitchell (at The Oval, 1935)
- Graeme Pollock (at Trent Bridge, 1965)
- Jacques Kallis (at Old Trafford in 1998 and The Oval in 2012)
During this important “title clash” (the final match), Markram has already taken two wickets with his bowling, showing his all-round skills. This makes his Markram Bradman List entry even more special as an all-rounder.
South Africa’s Strong Position
South Africa has reached 213 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in 56 overs. This impressive score is largely thanks to the century-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma.
Despite having a hamstring injury, South African captain Bavuma has shown great determination. He has fought through the pain to register a half-century (50 runs), currently batting on 65 not out. Their combined effort has given South Africa a real chance to win this final.
Earlier in the Day: Starc’s Fightback
Earlier on Day 3, Mitchell Starc played one of the best innings of his career for Australia. He rescued Australia from a very difficult position of 152 runs for 9 wickets, taking their total to 207 runs for all wickets. Australia’s lead then became 281 runs at lunch.
Starc remained not out on 58 runs, meaning South Africa needed to chase 282 runs to win the WTC title and end their long wait for an ICC trophy. His fighting innings set up the challenging target that Markram and Bavuma are now trying to chase down.
Brief Scores at the End of Day 3 (Estimated)
- Australia: 212 runs (1st innings) and 207 runs (2nd innings)
- Key batters: Mitchell Starc 58* (not out), Alex Carey 43
- Key bowler: Kagiso Rabada 4 wickets for 59 runs
- South Africa: 138 runs (1st innings) and 213 runs for 2 wickets (2nd innings)
- Key batters: Aiden Markram 102* (not out), Temba Bavuma 65* (not out)
- Key bowler: Mitchell Starc 2 wickets for 37 runs
This Markram Bradman List entry not only highlights individual brilliance but also marks a pivotal moment in the WTC Final, showing the intense battle between these two top cricket nations. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the match.
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