"Certainly the year of the under dog"- Former England captain reacts to South Africa's domination over Australia in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that 2025 was definitely the year of the underdog. It came after South Africa dominated Australia on Day 3 of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Friday, June 13. The 50-year-old hoped that the trend would continue when England went to Australia to play in The Ashes, later in 2025.

This year has several unfancied sides in sport achieve glory, against all odds. In cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title. Crystal Palace defeated Manchester CIty to win the 2025 FA Cup title. Bologna defeated AC Milan 1-0 to win their first Coppa Italia title since 1974. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Harry Kane also broke their trophyless streaks.

"What a special innings by Aidan Markram .. At the most important time against a World class attack he has produced one of the finest tons in a final .. This is a huge moment for a S.A Cricket .. 2025 is certainly the year of the under dog .. maybe that will continue for the Ashes," Vaughan wrote on social media platform X.

Vaughan praised Aiden Markram for his unbeaten knock of 102 off 159 balls against a world-class bowling attack in a fourth-innings run chase.

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Aiden Markram stands tall to put South Africa in driver's seat in 2025 WTC final

Chasing 282 runs for victory in the 2025 WTC final, Aiden Markram produced arguably his best Test innings, remaining unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls at stumps on Day 3. The right-hander found support from captain Temba Bavuma. The latter battled his way through an injury to stay undefeated on 65 off 121 deliveries after the third day.

The pair put on 143 runs off 232 balls for the third wicket to put Australia under enormous pressure. The duo took South Africa to 213/2 at the end of the third day, 69 runs away from an historic win.