Rickelton, Mulder Hundreds Set Australia 288-Run Target
Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder put South Africa in a strong position in the deciding Test against Australia at Newlands on Friday. Their partnership helped the hosts recover from a difficult start and set Australia a target of 288 runs to win the three-match series, which is level at 1-1.
Rickelton and Mulder Lead South Africa Recovery
South Africa began the fourth day with a lead of just 40 runs and four wickets down. However, Rickelton and Mulder combined for a crucial 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, batting together for nearly 54 overs.
Rickelton scored 101 off 219 deliveries, hitting 12 fours, while Mulder made 115 off 221 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. Their efforts helped South Africa reach 387 in the second innings and take an overall lead of 287.
The pair added 92 runs in the second session, taking South Africa to 294-5 at tea. Rickelton brought up his third Test century after the break, while Mulder continued to build his innings.
The stand ended in unfortunate fashion when Mulder ran Rickelton out after sending him back too late. Four wickets then fell for just 16 runs, including another run-out involving Gerald Coetzee.
Mulder, however, kept the innings moving with an aggressive finish. He reached his fourth Test hundred off 204 balls, with his second 50 coming from just 66 deliveries, before being caught in the deep off Pat Cummins in the final over.
Australia Face Difficult Final-Day Chase
Australia had taken a 100-run first-innings lead after scoring 429 in reply to South Africa’s 329. Cummins dismissed Matthew Breetzke in the morning session, ending a wicket drought of more than 62 overs dating back to the first Test in Durban.
Mitchell Starc was Australia’s leading bowler in the second innings, taking three wickets for 65 runs. He finished with nine wickets across the match.
Australia now have the entire final day to chase 288 and secure the series. The visitors hold the record for the highest successful fourth-innings chase at Newlands, having reached 331 in 2002.
However, South Africa will back their chances on an increasingly turning pitch, with off-spinner Simon Harmer expected to play a key role. The defending world champions will look to use home conditions to prevent Australia from completing the chase.
