KKN Gurugram Desk | In a pivotal moment at Lord’s, South African opener Aiden Markram smashed an unbeaten century in the fourth innings of the 2025 World Test Championship Final against Australia. His remarkable 102—the first fourth-innings century in a WTC Final—has South Africa tantalizingly close to their first-ever ICC title. Notably, Virat Kohli’s seven-year-old tweet praising Markram as “a delight to watch” has gone viral, proving eerily prophetic.*

Markram’s Historic Lord’s Century Turns the Tide

On Day 3 of the WTC 2025 Final, Aiden Markram delivered one of the most defining innings in his Test career. Having been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, he recovered spectacularly, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 159 balls in the fourth innings, a first for a WTC Final .

This century puts South Africa just 69 runs away from a historic 282-run chase, with eight wickets intact .

Markram now holds multiple milestones:

• First fourth-innings centurion in a WTC Final

• Third batsman overall to score a century in a WTC Final

• First South African to score a century in any ICC tournament final

Temba Bavuma Anchors Alongside Markram

Teaming up with Markram was captain Temba Bavuma, who chipped in with an unbeaten 65 despite battling a hamstring injury. Together, their unbroken 143-run stand has swung the match decisively in South Africa’s favor .

Australia’s 218-run lead dissolved, and after a dramatic 59-run last-wicket stand from Starc and Hazlewood, South Africa seized the momentum on Day 3 .

Australia Commends Markram’s Match-Winning Knock

Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori hailed it as an “exceptional performance,” while noting the duo’s partnership was key to South Africa’s near-unassailable position .

Meanwhile, former South African legend AB de Villiers was visibly moved in the Lord’s stands, even recording moments on his phone. The moment marked a rare emotional sight in the stands .

From Duck to Delight: Markram’s Redemption

After a disappointing first-innings duck, Markram’s response in the second innings was monumental. Analysts noted that he had adjusted from recent T20 habits—reducing the temptation to go big early .

Markram’s century was built on a solid foundation, executing a flawless straight drive to bring up his ton as Lord’s crowds cheered .

Virat Kohli’s 2018 Tweet Spurs Viral Frenzy

While Markram was making history, a March 24, 2018 tweet from then-India captain Virat Kohli resurfaced:

“Aiden Markram is a delight to watch!”

His endorsement from seven years ago went viral as fans and analysts lauded Kohli’s early recognition of Markram’s potential .

Kohli’s admiration aligns with his history of mentoring top South African talent, such as AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, from their time in IPL .

South Africa Poised to Break the “Choker” Tag

Despite being cricketing powerhouses, South Africa has failed to secure an ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy .

Once labeled “chokers,” South Africa now has a golden opportunity to rewrite their destiny. If they chase these final 69 runs tomorrow, they will break a 27-year ICC title drought .

The coaching staff, including Shukri Conrad and Ashwell Prince, have urged calmness and adherence to routine to clear the path to victory .

Key Statistics & Milestones

• WTC Final first-ever fourth-innings century

• Markram is the first South African to score a century in an ICC final

• The century makes Markram the third overall WTC Final centurion

• Their partnership of 143 runs is arguably the decisive moment in the match

• South Africa now needs 69 runs with eight wickets to win

What’s Next: Day Four Outlook

• South Africa: In an authoritative position; two set batsmen at crease

• Australia: Will rely on efforts from Starc, Hazlewood, and All-round pressure

• Possible Scenarios:

  • Early wickets in morning session could reignite rivalry

  • South Africa likely to maintain disciplined play, captain-led

  • Fans anticipate either jubilation or drama-filled game extension

Aiden Markram’s century has ignited South Africa’s chase at the cricket mecca of Lord’s, immortalizing him in WTC history. With Kohli’s early praise resurfacing, fans have a nostalgic moment of cricket prophecy fulfilled.

As Day 4 dawns, South Africa stands on the brink of ICC glory, a match away from lifting their first major global trophy in nearly three decades. Whether they triumph or falter, Markram’s knock will forever be etched as one of the most stirring innings in Test cricket.