WTC Final: Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma make South Africa dare to dream at Lord's

Chasing a fourth-innings target of 282, Markram was still at the crease on 102 as his team went to the close of play in a strong position of 213-2, just 69 runs short becoming world champions.

Markram was sublime in his stroke-play and struck 11 fours while is innings took just 159 deliveries as the opener transferred the pressure back onto the Australia bowlers.

It was a far cry from the first innings effort when they were tentative and slow out of the blocks and were bowled out for just 138, responding to a total of 212.

Markram watched from the other end as opening partner Ryan Rickelton fell early, caught behind for six, chasing a wide delivery from left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.

Wiaan Mulder then combined with Markram for a crucial 61-run partnership that certainly helped take the shine off the new ball that did so much damage in the first innings.

Mulder made his way to 27 before playing an uppish drive and Marnus Labuschagne snapped up a sharp chance in the covers to leave the Proteas on 70-2.

Bavuma had a frenetic start - going for a lavish drive over the cover second, inside-edging close to his stumps and then being dropped in the slips by Steve Smith.

The Proteas captain then suffered a hamstring strain on his left leg and required lengthy treatment before resuming, but noticeably limping through singles and only taking twos when it was absolutely sure.

The injury seemed to settle the South African skipper down somewhat and he did just that, as he brought up a half-century off 83 balls.

The biggest ovation of the day though came just before the close when Markram brought up his eighth Test century, and the emotion was visible on the 30-year-old's face as he soaked up the applause at the Home of Cricket.

South Africa's captain and deputy then saw out the day and left the field to a standing ovation as the Proteas dare to dream of finally breaking their ICC curse on what could be a glorius Saturday at Lord's.

The Proteas began the day needing to take the final two Australia wickets quickly and the first was not long in coming, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada trapping Nathan Lyon lbw in the third over of the morning.

But it was a tale of frustration for the fielding side thereafter as Starc and Josh Hazlewood dug in.

Starc, dropped on 14 by Marco Jansen late the previous evening, repelled a flurry of short balls and soaked up pressure effectively with the field spread far and wide.

He took advantage of any loose deliveries, too, with five boundaries helping him to an 11th Test half-century as Australia's final pair carried them to the brink of the lunch break.

The innings was eventually brought to a close when Hazlewood drove Markram to Keshav Maharaj at cover, leaving Starc unbeaten on 58 and ensuring South Africa would require 282 to be crowned champions.

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