Aiden Markram crafted a century that could change his career and South Africa’s cricket history forever. With a target of 282 runs to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia on June 13, 2025, Markram’s unbeaten hundred has brought the Proteas within 69 runs of their first ICC title. With eight wickets still in hand, South Africa is on the verge of ending their long wait for a major trophy, thanks to Aiden Markram’s calm and brilliant batting.
The moment Aiden Markram reached his hundred was magical. In the second-to-last over of the day, after scoring just one run in his previous seven balls, he waited for the perfect delivery. Josh Hazlewood bowled one on his legs, and Markram flicked it to the boundary with ease. The crowd cheered, but Markram’s celebration was quiet, matching his calm personality. This century, scored under pressure in the WTC final, is a defining moment for Aiden Markram and South Africa.
From the start of his innings, Aiden Markram showed his class. On the sixth ball he faced, he moved back, rose on his toes, and guided a rising delivery from Hazlewood past the cover fielder. The shot left everyone, including the Australian players, in awe. It was one of many beautiful strokes Markram played that day. His timing, touch, and style made every shot look effortless. However, despite his talent, Aiden Markram has not always been a consistent performer in Test cricket.
Aiden Markram’s Journey: Talent Meets Challenges
Aiden Markram has been a promising name in South African cricket for years. In 2014, he led the Under-19 team to a World Cup victory, earning comparisons to legends like Graeme Smith for his leadership and AB de Villiers for his batting style. When he started his Test career, Markram looked like a future star. He scored 97 on debut and followed it with centuries in his fourth and fifth matches. But after 46 Tests, his average is around 35.92, with only seven hundreds. These numbers don’t fully reflect the talent Aiden Markram possesses.
Like most batsmen, Aiden Markram has flaws. He often plays from the crease, struggles with balls around his front pad, and tries to ride the bounce even on tricky pitches. At times, he has been too cautious; other times, too aggressive. Finding the right balance has been tough for Markram. Early in his career, South Africa made him captain at just 23, which slowed his growth as a batsman. The pressure and expectations weighed heavily on him, and fans began to lose hope in Aiden Markram’s potential.
A Fresh Start for Aiden Markram
However, lower expectations gave Markram a new sense of freedom. He decided to focus on himself and his game. He stopped using social media, avoided reading newspapers, and worked on being true to himself. This change helped him revive his white-ball cricket career, though Test consistency still eluded him. Aiden Markram once said, “I stopped worrying about my numbers or whether I got a hundred. I just wanted to help my team.”
This new mindset led Markram to his best performance yet in the WTC final. He batted with confidence and focus, playing his natural game without fear. He defended well, picked the right balls to attack, and kept the scoreboard moving with quick singles. Even when he went 19 balls without a boundary, Markram stayed calm and kept contributing.
Stunning Strokes from Aiden Markram
Markram’s innings was full of gorgeous shots. His height and strong shoulders made every stroke look powerful. He punched and cut short balls with ease, especially when bowlers gave him width. His drives were equally impressive, with his bat creating a smooth arc as he sent the ball racing past fielders. Whether driving through mid-off or backward point, Markram showed his wide range of shots. He was aggressive but never reckless, making it hard for Australia to stop him.
One of the best moments came against Mitchell Starc. Starc bowled a short ball outside off-stump, with two fielders placed deep on the off-side. Markram opened the face of his bat and guided the ball perfectly between them. It was a shot that showed his skill and confidence. Australia knew then that Aiden Markram was in complete control.
Aiden Markram Overcomes Australia’s Tactics
Australia tried everything to dismiss Markram. They tempted him with wide deliveries, used tight field placements, and bowled outside off-stump to frustrate him. But Aiden Markram stayed focused. He left dangerous balls alone, defended solidly, and attacked when the opportunity came. Even Nathan Lyon’s spin couldn’t trouble him. Lyon bowled awkward lines and got some turn and bounce, but Markram handled him well. When Lyon shortened his length, Markram punched him through the covers with style.
In the past, Aiden Markram struggled with concentration. But in this match, he was locked in. He ignored distractions and played each ball on its merit. This focus made his century even more special. It was a sign that Aiden Markram had finally overcome his biggest challenge—himself.
Virat Kohli’s 7-year-old post for Aiden Markram goes viral
Aiden Markram’s century caught the attention of fans and former players alike. A seven-year-old tweet from Indian star Virat Kohli went viral after the match. In March 2018, Kohli had praised Aiden Markram for his 84 against Australia in a Test match in Cape Town. Kohli wrote, “Aiden Markram is a delight to watch!” That tweet resurfaced as fans celebrated Markram’s WTC final hundred. It showed that Aiden Markram has long been admired for his talent, even by the biggest names in cricket.
Aiden Markram’s Redemption
For Aiden Markram, this century is more than just runs. It’s a redemption story. After years of ups and downs, he has delivered when it mattered most. His unbeaten hundred has put South Africa in a strong position to win the WTC final. With 69 runs needed and eight wickets in hand, Markram and his team are close to making history.
As Aiden Markram walked off the field with Temba Bavuma by his side, the Lord’s crowd gave him a standing ovation. This was the innings of his life, a moment that fulfilled the promise he showed years ago. For South Africa, Markram’s century could be the key to ending their ICC title drought. For Markram himself, it’s proof that hard work, focus, and belief can lead to greatness.
FAQs About Aiden Markram WTC Final Century
1. What is Aiden Markram’s role in the South African cricket team?
Aiden Markram is a top-order batsman and occasional off-spinner for South Africa. He is known for his elegant batting style and has been a key player in Test, ODI, and T20 formats.
2. How many runs did Aiden Markram score in the WTC final 2025?
Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten century in the WTC final against Australia on June 13, 2025, helping South Africa chase a target of 282 runs.
3. Why is Aiden Markram’s century in the WTC final important?
Aiden Markram’s century is crucial because it has put South Africa in a strong position to win their first ICC title. It’s also a personal milestone, marking his redemption after years of inconsistent performances.
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