Emotional Maharaj dreaming of Lord's success for South Africa
Keshav Maharaj has admitted he is already thinking about what a potential win for his side will mean for South Africa.
Markram, Bavuma guide SA within touching distance of glory | Day 3 Highlights | WTC25 Final
After bundling out Australia in the first session, South Africa finish Day 3 only 69 runs away from a historic triumph with eight wickets in hand.
By Jonathan Healy, at Lord's
An emotional Keshav Maharaj is starting to dream about what victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia will mean for his side and South Africa.
The Proteas have one hand on the coveted mace following a dominant day's play at Lord's on Friday, with Aiden Markram's partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma leaving South Africa just 69 runs away from breaking their long drought without success at a men's ICC tournament.
And while Maharaj knows there is still work ahead before his team can celebrate, the left-armer believes victory in London will prove a decisive moment cricket in his country.
"It would mean everything," an emotional Maharaj told ICC Digital after South Africa reached 213/2 at stumps after three days of the Ultimate Test.
"Not just us (the players) out there or the fans here, but to everyone back home.
"To see how long it's taken for this country to hold some sort of ICC final trophy in their hands.
"I'm sorry, I'm getting a bit teary-eyed, but I think it would be a privilege to be a part of, because we faced a lot as our country.
"And to see it come, well not to get ahead, but to nearly get there is a very special feeling. So special."
Captain Bavuma overcomes pain to battle on for South Africa | WTC25 Final
With discomfort in his hamstring, Temba Bavuma continues to fight on for South Africa as they push for a historic win at Lord's.
If the Proteas can knock up the required runs for victory on Saturday and win their first ICC men's trophy since 1998 there will be plenty of people that played a major role in the success that has been led superbly by new coach Shukri Conrad.
Lion-hearted pacer Kagiso Rabada has led the way against Australia with nine wickets across the two innings, while Markram will also receive plenty of accolades following his flawless century on the third day at the Home of Cricket.
Aiden Markram scores crucial century | Player Highlights | WTC25 Final
South Africa opener Aiden Markram took on the Australia attack and scored a crucial century on Day 3 of the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.
Markram is renowned as being a player that ups his game and rises to the big occasion and Maharaj admitted he could sense a big score coming from the talented right-hander.
"I saw a different sort of desire and focus in Aiden's eyes today when he came off the field (prior to batting) as I think he wanted to rectify the mistake that he made in the first innings," Maharaj said.
"Kudos to him to put that into place. He's a big match player and big players rise up to the moment and rectify their mistakes very quickly.
"There's no better fitting moment for him to get a Test hundred here at Lord's in a final against probably a team that I don't think they've ever lost a final."
Markram ton puts South Africa in charge | Day 3 Hindi highlights | WTC25 Final
sa vs Aus day 3 Highlights.mp4 (2025-06-13 18:15:26Z)
Maharaj also paid tribute to Bavuma, after his captain showed enormous determination to battle a hamstring injury and played a vital role in the unbeaten stand of 143 that has South Africa close to victory.
"He had a little bit of a niggle, but the warrior and fighter that he is was there with Aidan to support it," Maharaj said of Bavuma.
"It was amazing to hear how they complemented each other when they came off at the tea break, just hearing about how they're going to go about their business and understanding that obviously Temba can't run at full tilt, but Aiden embraced that."
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