South Africa's hopes of securing their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title rest on a potentially historic chase at Lord's, and their first-innings star, David Bedingham, exudes confidence in the team's ability to achieve the feat.

The Proteas face a challenging task against a formidable Australian side in the WTC Final 2025. Australia currently holds the upper hand in head-to-head Test matches, with 54 wins to South Africa's 26 in their 101 encounters; 21 matches ended in a draw. However, South Africa has shown resilience in recent years, closing the gap, and recent form indicates they are coming off winning 8 test matches in a row. The winner of this match will be crowned champion of the third edition of the WTC.

Bedingham, who top-scored for South Africa in their first innings with 45, believes the team possesses the necessary ingredients to mount a successful chase. Speaking to reporters after the second day's play, he expressed his excitement about the opportunity to win. "It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win," Bedingham stated. "It could go either way but there is a lot of belief. We are very confident, the batters will have their individual plans ready for the innings."

The South African batting lineup faltered in the first innings, managing a paltry 138 in response to Australia's 212, conceding a 74-run lead. However, the Proteas fought back strongly, reducing Australia to 144-8 in their second innings at stumps on day two, setting up a potentially tense final day. Bedingham lauded the team's fightback. "I think it was an amazing day of cricket and when they started batting in the third innings, we would have taken them at what is effectively 220 for eight," he said. "We are confident and there is massive belief in this team."

Bedingham also praised the performance of Lungi Ngidi, who took 3-35 in a nine-over spell to break open the Australian innings. Ngidi had struggled in the first innings, but Bedingham highlighted his resilience. "Lungi is a chilled guy so I don't think his first innings it would have affected him that much," Bedingham noted. "I think he struggled at one end and to changed to the other and it made a difference. To bowl nine overs on the bounce takes a lot of effort and we are lucky to have him."

While the pitch at Lord's is expected to be balanced for both batters and bowlers, the conditions are known to favor fast bowlers, particularly early on. Spinners are expected to come into play later in the match if the pitch dries up. According to previous records, the team batting first has a slight advantage at Lord's.

Bedingham's confidence reflects the team's determination to overcome the odds and secure a historic victory. South Africa has had a stellar performance in the current WTC cycle, securing their spot in the final at Lord's. Key victories against India and Pakistan have been instrumental in their journey. Now, they stand on the brink of achieving something truly special, and Bedingham's optimism suggests they believe they have what it takes to cross the finish line.