South Africa set Australia 288 to win the deciding third Test at Newlands on Friday, after Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck centuries to turn day four in Cape Town firmly in the hosts’ favour.
South Africa were bowled out for 387 in their second innings in the final over of the day, having recovered from a 100-run first-innings deficit. Australia, who made 429 in reply to South Africa’s first-innings 329, now need 288 on the final day on Saturday — and South Africa need 10 wickets — to settle a series tied at 1-1.
Centuries turn the match
Mulder top-scored with 115 off 221 balls, his fourth Test century, including 10 fours and four sixes. Rickelton made 101 off 219 balls. The pair put on 154 for the sixth wicket after South Africa resumed day four on 140 for 4, holding a lead of just 40.
South Africa had slipped to 181 for 5 before the stand rebuilt the innings. Matthew Breetzke made 43 before falling to a pull shot off Pat Cummins, caught on the boundary by Mitchell Starc, as Australia took only one wicket in the first two sessions before a burst after tea.
What is at stake on the final day
The winners of the match will occupy the No. 1 spot in the Test world rankings, currently held by Australia. Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban; South Africa responded with victory by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha.
History is against the chasers: Australia would need the second-highest successful run chase in 137 years of Test cricket at Newlands. The highest was achieved by Ricky Ponting’s Australia side in 2002, when they chased 331 to clinch a series.
The pitch is starting to show signs of wear, and Australia batter Josh Inglis had said on Thursday that a chase of more than 200 batting last would be difficult. With spinner Simon Harmer expected to play a key role on a turning surface, all three results remain possible on Saturday.
Why it matters
This is a series decider between the world’s top two Test sides, and day four has flipped it: from a 100-run deficit, South Africa now defend a target that demands a historic chase. The final day will be decided by whether Australia’s batters can survive the wear and spin, or whether South Africa’s rested attack can take 10 wickets.
What is still unknown
No result is decided yet. The match is in progress and the final-day outcome — an Australia chase, a South Africa bowling win, or a draw — will only be known after Saturday’s play. This article will need a result update once the match ends.
Related coverage
Read Emadan’s earlier coverage of this series: Bavuma’s career-best 179 puts South Africa in control in the second Test and Marco Jansen tops the ICC Test bowling all-rounder rankings.
Frequently asked questions
What target did South Africa set Australia? 288 runs to win, after South Africa were bowled out for 387 in their second innings.
Who scored the centuries? Wiaan Mulder made 115 and Ryan Rickelton made 101, sharing a 154-run sixth-wicket stand.
What is at stake? The series, tied 1-1, and the world No. 1 Test ranking, currently held by Australia.
Sources
AFP via Channel News Asia, “Rickleton, Mulder tons as S Africa set Australia 288 to win decider” — https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/rickleton-mulder-tons-s-africa-set-australia-288-win-decider-6506796 ; Dawn, “Rickelton, Mulder centuries lift South Africa’s chances in Test decider” — https://www.dawn.com/news/2041004/rickelton-mulder-centuries-lift-south-africas-chances-in-test-decider ; Gulf Times, “South Africa set Australia 288 to win decisive third Test” — https://www.gulf-times.com/article/737057/sport/cricket/south-africa-set-australia-288-to-win-decisive-third-test
