SA vs AUS: Aiden Markram Scripts History In WTC Final To Become First South African To Achieve THIS Massive Feat

Aiden Markram has etched his name into South African cricket history with a remarkable century in the second innings of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord's.

The stylish right-hander brought up his hundred late on Day 3, driving a boundary off the fifth ball of the 55th over to reach the milestone in fine fashion.

The 30-year-old, who hails from Centurion and leads South Africa's T20I side, became the first player from his nation to score a century in the final of any ICC tournament. It's a landmark moment not just for Markram but also for South African cricket, which had never before seen one of its batters reach three figures in an ICC final.

Previously, Hansie Cronje's unbeaten 61 against the West Indies in the 1998 Champions Trophy final was the highest individual score by a South African in an ICC tournament final. Markram's innings on Friday has now set a new benchmark.

In the broader context of ICC finals, Markram became the 16th batter overall to score a century. Among South Africans, he is the pioneer. Notably, he joins the elite company of Steve Smith and Travis Head as the only batters to have reached triple figures in a WTC Final.

His knock also places him alongside West Indies legends Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards, as only the third batter to register a century in an ICC final hosted at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. Furthermore, Markram became just the sixth overseas batter to record a hundred in the fourth innings of a Test at the 'Home of Cricket'.

Markram's innings was built on patience and precision. He struck 11 boundaries during his stay at the crease and stitched together a vital third-wicket stand with Temba Bavuma, worth over 140 runs at stumps. As the WTC Final hangs in the balance, Markram's historic effort has given the Proteas a glorious chance and earned him a permanent place in the annals of South African cricket.