SportsPosted at: Oct 30 2026 10:03PM


Mulder, Rickelton hit centuries as SA set Aus 288-run victory target

Cape Town, Oct 30 (UNI) South Africa staged a remarkable second-innings recovery through centuries from Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton to set Australia a target of 288 runs for victory, leaving the hosts needing 10 wickets to win the deciding three-match Test series at Newlands here on Friday.
South Africa, who had conceded a 100-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 329 in reply to Australia's 429, were bowled out for 387 in 134.4 overs in their second innings to establish a target of 288 runs at the close of the fourth day.
Resuming at 140 for four today, the hosts initially relied on Matthew Breetzke and Rickelton to consolidate their position. The pair added valuable runs before Breetzke departed for 43 off 121 balls, caught by Mitchell Starc off Australian captain Pat Cummins.
Breetzke's dismissal brought Mulder to the crease, and he joined Rickelton in a crucial partnership that transformed the complexion of the contest.
Rickelton, who had resumed on eight not out, displayed tremendous patience and composure to score 101 off 219 deliveries, including 12 boundaries. He brought up his half-century off 105 balls before converting it into his third Test century, reaching the milestone off 218 balls.
Mulder, meanwhile, played an outstanding counter-attacking innings, scoring 115 off 221 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. He reached his half-century off 138 deliveries and accelerated as the partnership progressed, taking on both the pace and spin attacks.
The sixth-wicket pair added 154 runs off 318 balls, providing South Africa with the platform to turn a potentially difficult situation into a position of strength.
Their partnership took the hosts past the 250-run mark and subsequently beyond 300, steadily extending their overall lead. At tea, South Africa were 294 for five, with Rickelton on 83 and Mulder on 46.
Rickelton eventually completed his century in the 119th over, but his innings ended shortly afterwards when he was run out for 101 following an excellent fielding effort by Josh Inglis at backward point. Marnus Labuschagne completed the run-out at the bowler's end.
Mulder continued his aggressive approach despite losing partners at the other end. He brought up his century with a boundary off Travis Head and celebrated the milestone passionately, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd.
South Africa suffered a late collapse, losing four wickets in quick succession. Gerald Coetzee was run out for one, while Marco Jansen was caught by Nathan Lyon off Starc without scoring. Lyon then bowled Simon Harmer for one.
Mulder, however, continued to attack, striking two sixes off Lyon and Cummins as South Africa pushed their lead towards 300.
His magnificent innings finally ended in the 135th over when he pulled a short delivery from Cummins towards long-on, where Starc completed the catch. Mulder departed for 115, bringing the South African innings to an end at 387.
For Australia, Lyon claimed two wickets, and Starc three, while Cummins also picked up two wickets.
Australia now need 288 runs on the final day to secure victory, while South Africa require 10 wickets to win the Test.
With the match finely poised, the fifth day's play will decide the outcome of the series. The match is part of the 2026-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Mulder# Rickelton hit centuries as SA set Aus 288-run victory target
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