Ryan Rickelton made 101 and Wiaan Mulder 115 in a 154-run sixth-wicket stand as South Africa were bowled out for 387 on day four, setting Australia 288 to win the deciding Test at Newlands with the series level at 1-1.
Cape Town, South Africa: South Africa began Friday 40 runs ahead and finished it with a target that has put the series decider back in the balance. Australia, who built their position through Inglis and Carey’s day-two stand, now need 288 on the final day.
Breetzke falls, Rickelton and Mulder dig in
South Africa resumed on 140 for 4, and the morning went to the hosts’ batters. Matthew Breetzke made 43 from 121 balls before Pat Cummins found his edge, with Mitchell Starc taking the catch at fine leg to make it 181 for 5. At lunch South Africa were 202 for 5, a lead of 102, with Ryan Rickelton on 39 and Wiaan Mulder on 5.
The sixth-wicket stand
The afternoon belonged to Rickelton and Mulder. They added 154 for the sixth wicket, reaching tea on 294 for 5 with Rickelton on 83 and Mulder on 46. Rickelton went on to 101 from 219 balls, with 12 fours, before he was run out by Josh Inglis with South Africa on 335 for 6. It was the turning point of the innings.
Mulder carries the innings home
Marco Jansen fell for a duck and Simon Harmer for 1, leaving South Africa 344 for 8, but Mulder kept going. He scored 115 from 221 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes, for his fourth Test hundred, and the lower order helped him add another 43 before Cummins had him caught by Starc, the last wicket. South Africa were all out for 387 in 134.4 overs. Starc finished with 3 for 65 and Cummins took two, after Starc’s six-wicket haul on day one.
Saturday’s equation
Australia have not yet batted in the fourth innings. They need 288 to win the match and the series, while South Africa need all ten wickets to take the decider. The series stands level at 1-1, and the chase begins on Saturday.
Score at stumps, day four: South Africa 329 and 387 all out in 134.4 overs (Wiaan Mulder 115, Ryan Rickelton 101, Matthew Breetzke 43; Mitchell Starc 3 for 65, Pat Cummins 2). Australia 429; target 288.
