After a resilient partnership between Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder had begun to steady South Africa‘s innings in the WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s, Mitchell Starc turned the tide in favour of Australia with a crucial breakthrough. With South Africa rebuilding steadily and the scoreboard ticking past 100, Starc’s return spelled immediate trouble.

Mitchell Starc removes Wiaan Mulder to end dangerous partnership with Aiden Markram 

Coming around the wicket, Starc delivered a full-length ball at 142 kph angled into the right-hander, just outside off-stump. It wasn’t a half-volley, more of a testing, slightly gripping delivery that held its line off the surface. Mulder, set on 27 from 50 balls with five crisp boundaries, leaned in to push through the covers, but his timing was off. The ball seemed to hold a fraction in the pitch, causing Mulder to spoon it gently and low to Marnus Labuschagne at catching cover.

Marnus made no mistake, taking a smart low catch with both hands in front of his body. The wicket broke the 67-run stand that had begun to frustrate the Australians and offered South Africa hope after early blows. Starc, known for his knack of breaking partnerships, once again delivered at a crucial moment. The dismissal also followed a short delay due to a sight-screen issue, possibly disrupting Mulder’s concentration just enough. Australia’s energy lifted instantly, and the wicket marked a vital turning point, restoring balance in a tense Test final.

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Mitchell Starc strikes twice but South Africa hold nerve in WTC Final Chase on Day 3

The ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s saw gripping action unfold on Day 3, with momentum swinging back and forth. Australia were bowled out for 207 in their second innings after resuming at 144/8, setting South Africa a stiff target of 282. Starc stood tall with a fighting 58 not out off 136 balls, building a vital 59-run final-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood that extended the lead and potentially tilted the balance in Australia’s favour.

In reply, South Africa began cautiously but lost Ryan Rickelton early to Starc for 6. Mulder then joined Aiden Markram and the pair resisted bravely, stitching together a valuable 61-run stand. Markram played with composure, reaching 48 not out by tea, anchoring the innings with calm authority. However, just as the partnership began to threaten, Starc returned and broke through again, this time removing Mulder with a full delivery angled in that induced a soft push to cover.

At 94/2, South Africa still require 190 more runs with eight wickets in hand. Temba Bavuma is unbeaten on 10, supporting Markram in a nervy chase. With over 40 overs remaining in the day, the final is delicately poised. Australia will rely on Starc and Cummins to produce breakthroughs, while South Africa will need a composed middle-order effort to script a historic chase at the home of cricket.

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