Aiden Markram scored the most emotional hundred of his Test career on Day 3 of the WTC Final at Lord’s, but forgot to celebrate it. The South African opener, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, held his composure throughout a tough battle before flicking Josh Hazlewood to the square-leg boundary for a historic century — his 8th in Test cricket.
Markram removed his helmet, looked up, and wiped away a tear. It wasn’t a celebration, but a release. A release of pressure, pain, and purpose.
AB de Villiers Captures It All
From the stands, AB de Villiers, wearing his signature cricket sweater and sunglasses, stood up and recorded the moment on his phone. The former South African great knew how much this meant — not just for Markram, but for an entire nation chasing its first ICC title since 1998.
“De Villiers is standing. Lord’s is standing. And Markram deserves every bit of it,” said Shaun Pollock on commentary.
Muted Celebration, Unfinished Business
Temba Bavuma, his partner, stayed back respectfully as Markram soaked in the applause. Markram, unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls, was aware the job wasn’t done. South Africa still needs 69 runs to win and lift their maiden World Test Championship title.
But this moment, silent and tearful, will echo through generations of South African cricket.
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