What are the highest successful 200+ chases in Tests at Lord’s before SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final?

The third day of the 2025 World Test Chmpionship (WTC) final will begin on Friday, June 13. South Africa and Australia are playing the final at the iconic Lord's cricket ground.

At the end of the second day's play, Australia were at 144/8, leading by 218 runs. They will resume their innings on day three and will look to add as many runs as possible before South Africa come out to chase down the target. With the lead already crossing the 200-mark, it is certain that the Proteas will chase over 200 runs in the final innings.

Previously, before the 2025 WTC final, a target of 200-plus runs has been successfully chased only four times in a Test match at Lord's. The highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's came back in 1984 when the West Indies had chased down 342 runs against England, winning the game by nine wickets.

The second-highest successful chase in a Test at the venue came in 2004 when hosts England chased down 282 against New Zealand, winning by seven wickets. The third-highest successful chase came recently in 2022, when England chased down 277, again against New Zealand, winning by five wickets. The fourth and final instance of a 200-plus successful chase in Tests at Lord's came in 1965, when England chased down 216 against New Zealand, winning by seven wickets.

Therefore, since 2005, a target of over 200 runs has been successfully chased only once in a Test match at Lord's.

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Can South Africa wrap up Australia's innings soon on Day 3 of the 2025 WTC final

Much as the opening two days of the 2025 WTC final between South Africa and Australia have been intriguing, the third day will largely determine which team is most likely to win the game.

Australia will resume their innings at 144/8, leading by 218 runs, with Nathan Lyon (1 not out) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) at the crease. It will be crucial for South Africa to pick up the remaining two wickets as quickly as they can and wrap up the innings, reducing the amount of runs they will have to chase in the final innings.

Therefore the opening session, more importantly the opening hour of play on day three, will be crucial for the Proteas. Pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who have picked up three wickets apiece in Australia's second innings, will have a vital role to play with the ball as the day begins.