South Africa on cusp of historic Lord's chase: Will 27-year ICC drought end today?

South Africa stands poised to complete a rare fourth-innings chase at Lord's, with Australia 8 wickets down and a 218-run lead to overcome. David Bedingham's steady innings and Rabada-Ngidi's bowling heroics have set the stage for a potential WTC title that would break a 27-year ICC trophy drought.

Sources:
India TodaySports+1
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: India TodaySports
South Africa is poised for a historic fourth-innings chase at Lord's in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, potentially ending a 27-year ICC title drought since their 1998 Champions Trophy win.

Australia entered Day 3 with a 218-run lead but were precariously placed at 144/8, thanks to a fierce bowling display by South Africa's Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who shared six wickets between them. Rabada took 3/44 and Ngidi 3/35, sparking a spirited comeback.

The pitch and overcast conditions at Lord's have favored bowlers, with the famous slope adding to the challenge. Despite this, South African batter David Bedingham stood out with a composed 45 off 111 balls in the first innings, crucial for the Proteas' hopes.

Historically, Lord's has seen only four successful fourth-innings chases over 200 runs, including three over 250 in the 21st century, adding to the drama of this potential chase.

David Bedingham said the team is excited about winning the WTC title, reflecting growing momentum within the camp.

Australia's lower order, led by Alex Carey with 43 off 50 balls, pushed the lead beyond 200, but the Proteas' bowling attack has kept the pressure high.

The outcome of this chase will decide which nation claims the Test mace, with South Africa on the cusp of a historic victory at Lord's today.
Sources: India Today
South Africa stands on the brink of a historic chase at Lord's in the World Test Championship Final 2025, aiming to end a 27-year ICC title drought. With Australia 144/8 and a 218-run lead, bowlers Rabada and Ngidi have set the stage for a dramatic conclusion today.
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The Headline

South Africa poised for historic Lord's chase to end 27-year drought

The team is excited about being on the cusp of winning the World Test Championship (WTC) title.
David Bedingham
South Africa batter
India Today
Momentum is building within the Proteas camp as they gear up for a potential fourth-innings chase in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's.
David Bedingham
South Africa batter
Sports
Key Facts
  • David Bedingham played a crucial first innings knock of 45 runs off 111 balls on a bowler-friendly pitch, standing out as one of the few batters to handle the challenging conditions well.Sports
  • Kagiso Rabada (3/44) and Lungi Ngidi (3/35) shared six wickets in Australia's second innings, reducing them to 144/8 by stumps on Day 2.India TodaySports
  • Australia leads by 218 runs but is 8 wickets down going into Day 3 at Lord's, setting the stage for a historic fourth-innings chase by South Africa.India Today2
  • South Africa is on the verge of a historic fourth-innings chase at Lord's to win the WTC Final 2025, potentially ending their 27-year ICC title drought today.SportsIndia Today
  • In the history of Lord's, teams have chased down 200-plus targets in the fourth innings four times, providing South Africa hope for their current chase.India TodaySports
  • Alex Carey contributed a vital lower order knock of 43 runs off 50 balls to push Australia's lead beyond 200 runs.1
Key Stats at a Glance
David Bedingham's first innings score and balls faced
45 runs off 111 balls
Sports
Kagiso Rabada's wickets and runs conceded
3/44
India Today
Lungi Ngidi's wickets and runs conceded
3/35
India Today
Australia's second innings score at stumps Day 2
144/8
India Today
Australia's lead over South Africa
218 runs
India Today
Number of 200-plus fourth innings chases at Lord's
4 times
India Today
Alex Carey's runs and balls faced
43 runs off 50 balls
1

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Background Context

South Africa's 27-year ICC drought and challenging Lord's conditions

Key Facts
  • South Africa's last ICC title win was in 1998 at the Champions Trophy, marking a 27-year drought they aim to end with the 2025 WTC Final.India Today
  • The match pitch and conditions at Lord's have favored bowlers, with overcast weather and the famous Lord's slope creating an ideal fast bowling climate.1
Key Stats at a Glance
South Africa's ICC title drought duration
27 years
India Today
Year of South Africa's last ICC title win
1998
India Today
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