Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder produced determined centuries as South Africa strengthened their position against Australia on Day 4 of the third and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town, setting Australia 288 for victory.

After beginning the day on 140/4, with a lead of just 40 runs, South Africa faced the challenge of building a competitive target against an Australian attack determined to secure a series victory.

However, Rickelton and Mulder combined in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership that shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour, frustrating the visitors and giving the Proteas a solid chance going into the final day.

Breetzke and Rickelton Begin the Rebuilding Process

South Africa resumed their second innings with Matthew Breetzke unbeaten on 19 and Rickelton on eight, knowing that another early collapse could leave Australia chasing a modest target.

The pair adopted a patient approach against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, prioritising survival and gradually extending South Africa’s lead.

Breetzke showed considerable restraint during his innings, facing 121 deliveries for his 43 runs and striking five boundaries.

However, his resistance ended when Australian captain Pat Cummins struck in the 67th over.

Attempting to pull a short delivery down the leg side, Breetzke failed to control his shot and was caught by Mitchell Starc at fine leg.

His dismissal left South Africa struggling at 181/5, with their lead standing at just 81 runs.

Having lost five wickets, the Proteas needed a substantial partnership to prevent Australia from taking control of the contest.

Rickelton and Mulder Turn the Match Around

Rickelton found an ideal partner in Mulder, who arrived at the crease determined to make amends for his first-innings duck.

The pair displayed tremendous patience and discipline, resisting Australia’s attempts to break their partnership.

Rickelton reached his half-century from 105 deliveries, while Mulder gradually settled into his innings, combining solid defence with calculated attacking strokes.

By lunch, South Africa had reached 202/5, extending their lead to 102 runs.

The partnership continued to flourish during the afternoon session as Australia’s bowlers struggled to create consistent wicket-taking opportunities.

Rickelton and Mulder negotiated the second new ball, taken after 80 overs, and steadily increased South Africa’s advantage.

Their sixth-wicket partnership passed 100 runs, with both batters showing impressive concentration against an experienced Australian attack.

By tea, South Africa had progressed to 294/5, with Rickelton unbeaten on 83 and Mulder on 46.

The Proteas had established a lead of 194 runs, leaving Australia with an increasingly difficult task.

Rickelton Reaches Century Before Run-Out Drama

Rickelton continued his outstanding innings after tea, eventually reaching a well-deserved century from 218 deliveries.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck 12 boundaries during his knock, providing the backbone of South Africa’s second innings.

His partnership with Mulder surpassed 150 runs, transforming the Proteas’ position from one of vulnerability into a commanding advantage. Their partnership was the highest 6th-wicket stand at Newlands.

However, Rickelton’s innings came to a frustrating end following a costly misunderstanding between the batters.

With South Africa on 335/5, Mulder attempted a reverse sweep against Marnus Labuschagne.

Josh Inglis produced a brilliant diving stop at backward point, preventing the ball from reaching the boundary.

Rickelton, believing the ball had beaten the fielder, committed to a run before being sent back by Mulder.

Inglis recovered quickly and threw the ball to Labuschagne, who completed the run-out.

Rickelton departed for 101 from 219 deliveries, having struck 12 fours.

The dismissal ended a magnificent 154-run partnership that had put South Africa in a strong position.

Mulder Continues to Frustrate Australia

Despite losing Rickelton, Mulder remained composed at the crease, continuing an innings built on patience and determination.

The all-rounder brought up his half-century from 138 deliveries, having struck four boundaries and a six at that stage.

His contribution was particularly important considering South Africa’s precarious position earlier in the innings.

Mulder’s ability to occupy the crease and build partnerships ensured that Australia were unable to capitalise on their earlier breakthroughs.

Marco Jansen joined him following Rickelton’s dismissal, with South Africa looking to extend their advantage further before the close of play.

It wasn’t the case, as South Africa were dealt a double blow, losing Jansen for a duck when his pull shot failed to clear deep square leg.

Harmer was next to go, his attempt to leave a Lyon delivery failing when he gloved the ball into his stumps for 1.

Gerald Coetzee ran himself out, complicating matters further for the visitors, at 351-9 and a lead of 251. So much more work was still needed for the Proteas to feel at ease from this stage.

Mulder brought up his century in 204 balls, as he raised his bat to the heavens in memory of his late father. It was now up to him to drive the Proteas into a position of strength, unlike the sun, which was starting to cower behind Table Mountain.

Five minutes from the end of play, the message from the dugout was to take off the shackles; Mulder never shied away from the task, with the occasional six.

Mulder’s innings ended chasing one of those maximums, pulling a Cummins delivery to. That was the end of his 115 off 221 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes).

South Africa were all out for 387.

With the series level at 1–1, the final day promises an intriguing contest as Australia attempt to chase 288 for victory.

The Proteas will take encouragement from their recovery, particularly the resilience shown by Rickelton and Mulder in a pressure situation.

The question now is whether South Africa can defend the score that they set.