Markram Ton, Bavuma Fifty Put SA on Track for WTC Title

South Africa are on the brink of glory, with Aiden Markram's majestic eighth Test century and Temba Bavuma's 65 not out, putting them in a strong position to win the title. They ended Day 3 on 213/2, chasing 282.

Markram and Wiaan Mulder steadied the chase after Mitchell Starc's two crucial strikes. The pair combined admirably, putting away bad balls and respecting good ones in their 61-run alliance.

However, Starc produced another breakthrough, chipping a full delivery to Marnus Labuschagne at cover, and fell after contributing a patient 27 off 50 deliveries. Bavuma got an early reprieve on two when Steve Smith dropped the South African skipper at wide first slip, injuring his hand in the process.

Markram and Bavuma moved on quickly, rotating the strike effectively to keep the runs coming. By Tea, South Africa had nudged ahead in the race, and the third-wicket partnership only grew stronger in the last session.

Bavuma, visibly in pain after a hamstring niggle ahead of Tea, raised a fighting half-century in 83 balls. Markram, who looked in brilliant touch all through his knock, quietly brought the target down to double digits at the other end.

Markram took his own time in his 90s before flicking a Hazlewood delivery to midwicket to notch up arguably the finest hundred of his career across formats.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 138 & 213/2 (Aiden Markram 102*, Temba Bavuma 65*) need 69 runs to win against Australia 212 & 207.