Australian Captain Pat Cummins record-breaking spell earned him his milestone 300th Test wicket and made him only the second captain to claim a five-wicket haul at Lord's Cricket Ground after Daniel Vettori.
Game-Changer Cummins Strikes Again with 6/28 at Lord’s
Cummins' outstanding figures of 6/28 helped Australia bowl out South Africa for just 138 runs in the first innings, giving his side a lead of 74. Known for turning games single-handedly, Cummins once again delivered when Australia needed him most.
Reflecting on his milestone 6/30 at the Home of Cricket, Cummins was elated:
“It's way more than I could have asked for. Three hundred is a really big number and I’ve battled a few injuries and niggles and got through, playing well in different conditions, so I am pretty happy.”
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When asked about the pitch conditions, Cummins explained that the ball had softened and offered little movement, forcing him to put in extra effort:
“When the ball got a little bit softer there wasn't too much in it, but it feels like the odd ball is nipping a little bit. It feels like if you bowl well, it is tough to score runs, so there is a bit in it for both.”
South Africa Inches Closer to WTC Glory at Lord’s
South Africa are now just 69 runs away from making history at Lord’s in the WTC Final. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 143*(222) stand has frustrated Australian bowlers for two consecutive sessions.
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Chasing 282 for making history, Aiden Markram provided a strong start after the early loss of Ryan Rickelton. He was supported by Wiaan Mulder, who played a steady hand, allowing Markram to settle and take control. From there, the momentum shifted. Temba Bavuma, playing through a hamstring injury and dropped early by Steve Smith in the slips, stood firm to anchor the chase with 65*(121).
Aiden Markram brought up one of the most valuable centuries of his career, his fourth-innings hundred at Lord’s, igniting belief in South Africa’s long-awaited dream of an ICC title.
Day 4 promises to be historic. South Africa needs just 69 more runs with 8 wickets in hand. But it’s not over until Australia says it is. Stay tuned for Day 4 highlights of the WTC Final 2025.
For More Live Updates of SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025: Day 4
