South Africa reached 387 all out to close the fourth day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands, setting the touring side a target of 288 runs. Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder anchored the home innings, leaving Australia to face the second-highest successful run chase in 137 years of Test cricket at Newlands.
How Rickelton and Mulder Rescued the Innings
South Africa resumed on the fourth morning at 140-4, before a 154-run partnership between Rickelton and Mulder steadied the team. Rickelton contributed 101 runs, while Mulder top-scored with 115, marking his fourth Test century. The pair took few risks on a deteriorating pitch that offered considerable turn for spinner Nathan Lyon and variable bounce for the seamers.
South Africa ends with 387/10 in 2nd innings at stumps on Day 4, leaving Australia 288 runs to win 3rd #Test at Newlands.#SA: Wiaan Mulder (115), Ryan Rickelton (101) & Matthew Breetzke (43).#AUS: Mitchell Starc (3/65), Nathon Lyon (2/101) & Pat Cummins (2/71).#Cricket… https://t.co/QzOVU1fxkC
Australia toiled through the opening two sessions, capturing just a single wicket before breaking through with a late burst after tea. Matthew Breetzke added 43 before falling to a pull shot off Pat Cummins, caught on the boundary by Mitchell Starc. Mulder was the final batsman dismissed, caught by Starc off Cummins once again as he attempted to accelerate the scoring rate.
The Challenge Facing Australia at Newlands
Facing a scoring rate exceeding three runs per over, Australia must chase down 288 against a rested South African bowling lineup that has enjoyed over 36 hours of downtime. With the surface beginning to deteriorate, Australian batsman Josh Inglis remarked on Thursday that pursuing a target greater than 200 during the fourth innings would present a stern test. Nathan Lyon finished with figures of 2-101, while Pat Cummins claimed 2-71.
| Match Detail | Statistic / Fact |
|---|---|
| Current Series Status | Level at 1-1 (Australia won in Durban; South Africa won in Gqeberha) |
| Fourth Innings Target | 288 runs for Australia |
| South Africa Total | 387 all out |
| Key Partnerships | 154 runs for the sixth wicket (Rickelton and Mulder) |
| Global Ranking Implications | Winners claim the No 1 spot in the Test world rankings |
What Remains at Stake on the Final Day
The series is level at 1-1 following Australia’s 214-run victory in the first Test in Durban and South Africa’s response with a victory by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha. Beyond the series win, the victors of this deciding third Test will occupy the No 1 spot in the Test world rankings, which is currently held by Australia.
Live coverage of the final day’s play continues on Saturday from 8am on Sky Sports Cricket.
