South Africa produced a b comeback on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia, setting the visitors a target of 288 runs after scoring 387 in their second innings. Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder have set up a decisive final day, with both teams competing for the series victory.
The fourth day of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town did not begin favourably for South Africa. The hosts had lost four wickets for 140 runs in their second innings, with their lead standing at just 40 runs. Given the pressure created by the Australian bowlers, South Africa appeared unlikely to set a challenging target.
However, Ryan Rickelton steadied the innings alongside Matthew Breetzke. The pair added 50 runs for the fifth wicket before Breetzke was dismissed by Pat Cummins for 43.
Wiaan Mulder then joined Rickelton at the crease and provided valuable support. Both batters prioritised preserving their wickets rather than playing aggressive shots.
Rickelton and Mulder added 154 runs for the sixth wicket, putting Australia under pressure. The Australian team managed to take only one wicket during the first two sessions of the day. South Africa continued to extend its lead, bringing the match back into contention.
Ryan Rickelton faced 219 deliveries and scored 101 runs under challenging circumstances, including 12 fours. He appeared to be batting comfortably but was eventually run out following a misunderstanding while attempting a run.
Following Rickelton's dismissal, South Africa's innings began to lose momentum again. Marco Jansen was dismissed without scoring, while Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee also failed to stay at the crease for long. South Africa reached 351 for nine.
At that stage, Mulder was batting on 82, with Kagiso Rabada joining him as the last batter. Mulder continued to bat sensibly, facing most of the deliveries while also finding opportunities to play big shots.
The pair added 36 runs for the final wicket. During the partnership, Mulder completed his fourth Test century. He scored 115 runs from 221 deliveries, including 10 fours and four sixes.
Pat Cummins eventually dismissed Mulder, bringing South Africa's second innings to an end at 387.
South Africa had scored 329 runs in the first innings, while Australia responded with 429 to secure a 100-run lead. Following the hosts' recovery in the second innings, Australia now face a target of 288 runs.
Batting on the fifth day at Newlands is expected to be challenging. The ageing pitch could offer turn to spin bowlers, while uneven bounce may also create difficulties for batters facing the pace attack.
Australia also have an opportunity to set a record. The team holds the record for the highest successful run chase at this venue. In 2002, Australia successfully chased a target of 331 runs against South Africa.
Australia will now need to complete the second-highest successful run chase at the ground to secure victory.
The three-match Test series is currently level at 1-1. Australia won the opening match in Durban, while South Africa secured victory in the second Test played in Gqeberha.
