Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck magnificent centuries to lead South Africa’s lower-order fightback, setting Australia a target of 288 runs in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, on Friday.
Resuming Day 4 at 140/4, South Africa reached 387 in their second innings, building a crucial 288-run lead. Rickelton scored 101 off 219 balls, while Mulder remained the backbone of the innings with 115 from 221 deliveries. Their 154-run sixth-wicket partnership transformed the contest after Matthew Breetzke fell for 43.
Rickelton struck 12 boundaries before being run out by Josh Inglis. Mulder smashed 10 fours and four sixes, reaching his century with valuable support from Kagiso Rabada.
Pat Cummins eventually dismissed Mulder to end the innings. Mitchell Starc led Australia’s attack with three wickets for 65 runs, while Cummins and Nathan Lyon claimed two each. Australia had earlier secured a 100-run first-innings lead after scoring 429 in reply to South Africa’s 329.
The final-day chase will decide the three-match series, currently level at 1-1.