South Africa vs Australia is heading into a final-day finish in Cape Town, with the series locked at 1-1. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder both scored centuries on day four, and Australia now need 288 to win. We look at how the fightback happened, what the numbers say and what Saturday could bring.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa were bowled out for 387 and set Australia 288 to win the third Test.
- Ryan Rickelton (101) and Wiaan Mulder (115) added 154 for the sixth wicket.
- The three-match series is level at 1-1, so the winner takes the series.
What happened on day four?
Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder helped South Africa stage a lower-order fightback, leaving Australia a target of 288 in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands. They resumed at 140 for 4 and were bowled out for 387 in 134.4 overs. It was a day of patience and nerve.
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How did South Africa start the day?
South Africa began day four at 4-140, with a lead of only 40 runs, after Nathan Lyon bowled Temba Bavuma late on day three. That put the hosts under real pressure. Our analysis suggests a total below 250 would have made Australia heavy favourites.
When did Australia strike early?
Pat Cummins got a short ball to rise in the 67th over, and Matthew Breetzke (43) mistimed a pull straight to Mitchell Starc. That left South Africa at 181 for 5, and Mulder walked in. The hosts were still 141 runs ahead at that point.
How big was the sixth-wicket stand?
Rickelton and Mulder added 154 runs for the sixth wicket across two long sessions. That partnership changed the match. Without it, South Africa’s lead would have been small, and Australia’s chase would have been easy on paper.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Rickelton | 101 | 219 | 12 boundaries, run out |
| Wiaan Mulder | 115 | 221 | 10 fours, 4 sixes |
| Partnership | 154 | Sixth wicket |
The figures come from the ICC match report.
How did Rickelton build his century?
Rickelton scored a gritty 101 with 12 boundaries before Josh Inglis ran him out in the 120th over. At tea he was on 83, with South Africa at 294 for 5. If you follow Test cricket, you know time at the crease is what wins these matches.
What was unusual about Mulder’s innings?
Here is a rare tempo stat.
Mulder reached 50 off 138 balls. He finished with 115 off 221, which means his next 65 runs came off 83 balls. He changed gears once the lead was safe.
What did Rabada contribute?
Kagiso Rabada batted at No. 11 and gave support, which helped Mulder reach his hundred. Mulder was caught at long-on off Cummins for the last wicket, and he was applauded off the field. That final stand added more runs than most teams expect from a tail-ender.
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How did Australia’s bowlers do?
Mitchell Starc was the pick with 3/65 in 24 overs, while Pat Cummins took 2/71 and Nathan Lyon took 2/101. The attack had to toil hard on a wearing surface. We found that Australia’s bowlers bowled 134.4 overs in the innings, a huge workload.
| Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 3/65 in 24 overs |
| Pat Cummins | 2/71 |
| Nathan Lyon | 2/101 |
What happened in the first innings?
South Africa made 329, and Australia replied with 429 for a 100-run lead. Josh Inglis scored 102, Alex Carey 80 and Marnus … Renshaw 74, while Harmer took 4-104 and Jansen took 3-60. Australia led, but South Africa fought back.
| Innings | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | South Africa | 329 |
| 1st | Australia | 429 |
| 2nd | South Africa | 387 |
| 4th | Australia | Need 288 |
How did Inglis and Carey build the lead?
Inglis scored a century in a 185-run fifth-wicket partnership with Carey, which gave Australia a 100-run lead before tea on day three. That is a large stand in a low-scoring series. It also explains why South Africa began day four under pressure.
How did the series reach this point?
Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, and South Africa won the second in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs. That leaves the series at 1-1. The South Africa vs Australia decider will therefore settle both bragging rights and valuable World Test Championship ground.
| Test | Dates | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Oct 9-13 | Durban | Australia won by 214 runs |
| 2nd | Oct 18-22 | Gqeberha | South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs |
| 3rd | Oct 27-31 | Cape Town | Australia need 288 |
Why is 288 a hard target?
A target of 288 on a fifth-day pitch is difficult. At the usual 90 overs on the final day, Australia would need about 3.2 runs per over. The surface is wearing, so the ball may turn and bounce unevenly. That favours the bowlers.
What does Australia need on day five?
First, they need a strong start from the openers. Second, they need a partnership like the one Inglis and Carey built. Third, they must handle Harmer and Jansen, who took seven wickets between them in the first innings. If you follow the South Africa vs Australia series closely, you know the game could turn quickly.
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What are the rare stats from the Test?
Here are the numbers few reports mention.
- Mulder took 138 balls to reach 50.
- His last 65 runs came off only 83 balls.
- The hosts added 247 runs on day four (387 minus 140).
- Australia bowled 134.4 overs in the innings.
How does this affect the World Test Championship?
The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27, and both sides can still claim the series. A win would give the winner a clear boost in the standings. A draw would keep the series level.
What should fans watch on Saturday?
We will be tracking three things. First, whether Australia’s openers can survive the new ball. Second, whether Lyon’s counterpart, South Africa’s spinner, can use the wearing surface. Third, how many overs Australia can bat. For more cricket updates and match analysis, visit Cricket Team Match. South Africa vs Australia is the tightest Test series of the season.
