South Africa has taken control of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, moving closer to clinching their first-ever WTC title.

Brilliant batting performances from Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have put the Proteas in a commanding position against Australia. But what’s caught everyone’s attention is a remarkable cricketing coincidence that echoes a dramatic moment from 26 years ago.

This uncanny similarity dates back to 13 June 1999, when South Africa and Australia met in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup.

In that match, South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs dropped a crucial catch of Australian captain Steve Waugh, who then went on to score a match-winning century. That game ended in a tie, and Australia advanced to the final due to a better Super Six ranking — a moment still remembered for its drama and heartbreak.

Fast forward exactly 26 years to 13 June 2025, and history appears to be repeating itself — only this time, in reverse.

In the WTC Final at Lord’s, it was Australia’s Steve Smith who dropped a key catch, allowing South African skipper Temba Bavuma to continue his innings. Bavuma capitalized on the chance, scoring a valuable half-century and pushing his team closer to victory.

This striking coincidence — a dropped catch on June 13 involving a key opposition batter — has led fans to believe that cricketing destiny is favoring South Africa this time. With the pitch offering little help to Australian bowlers and South African batters in full control, the Proteas are now just a step away from making history.

By the end of Day 3, South Africa reached 213/2, chasing a target of 282 runs, needing only 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand. Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 102, anchoring the innings alongside Bavuma, who remained not out on 65.