SportsPosted at: Oct 29 2026 9:55PM


Ackerman, Bavuma fight back as South Africa take 40-run lead against Australia

Cape Town, Oct 29 (UNI) Marques Ackerman's aggressive 62 and captain Temba Bavuma's patient 35 helped South Africa reach 140 for four at stumps on Day Three of the third Test against Australia at Newlands here, giving the hosts an overall lead of 40 runs.
South Africa, who made 329 in their first innings, began their second innings trailing by 100 runs after Australia posted 429. The hosts recovered from early setbacks through Ackerman and Bavuma but lost the latter just before close of play, leaving the contest finely poised.
Australia resumed the day at 330 for four and were dismissed for 429 in 125.1 overs. Josh Inglis scored 102 off 135 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, while Alex Carey contributed 80 off 168 deliveries with seven fours.
The pair added 185 runs for the fifth wicket before Simon Harmer dismissed both, triggering Australia's lower-order collapse. Harmer claimed four wickets, while Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen also struck as Australia lost their last six wickets for 99 runs.
South Africa's reply suffered an early blow when Mitchell Starc dismissed Aiden Markram for one. Josh Hazlewood then removed David Bedingham for 11, leaving the hosts at 31 for two.
Ackerman counter-attacked with eight fours in his 80-ball innings, reaching his second Test half-century with a drive off Nathan Lyon. He struck boundaries against both pace and spin, using the pull shot effectively against the short deliveries.
His innings ended at 62 when Starc produced a sharp short ball in the 29th over. Ackerman took his eyes off the rising delivery while attempting to evade it, and the ball deflected off the splice of his bat and carried towards Cameron Green in the slip cordon.
Bavuma combined with Ackerman in a 64-run third-wicket partnership to steady the innings. The South African captain battled for 115 balls, reaching 4,000 Test runs during his stay, but fell to Lyon at 131 for four in the 46th over. Attempting an expansive shot, Bavuma was beaten by the turn and bowled for 35.
Matthew Breetzke remained unbeaten on 19, while Ryan Rickelton was on eight at the close. Breetzke struck boundaries through the off-side, while Rickelton collected two fours in the closing overs.
Mitchell Starc finished with two wickets for 29 runs, while Hazlewood and Lyon took one each.
South Africa will resume on the fourth day with a 40-run overall lead and six wickets in hand, looking to build a substantial advantage. Australia, meanwhile, will seek early breakthroughs to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.
Brief Scores:
Stumps, Day 3 South Africa 329 & 140/4 (47 overs) Marques Ackerman 62, Temba Bavuma 35; Mitchell Starc 2/29; Australia 429 (125.1 overs) Josh Inglis 102, Alex Carey 80; Simon Harmer 4 wickets; South Africa lead by 40 runs.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Ackerman# Bavuma fight back as South Africa take 40-run lead against Australia
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