Rickelton, Mulder tons set up thrilling finish as SA hand Australia 288-run target

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder hit centuries to rescue South Africa from 181 for 5 and set Australia a 288-run target, leaving the third Test and the series on a knife-edge heading into the final day at Newlands.

In Short

• Australia need 288 to win the third Test and seal 3-match series
• Wiaan Mulder top-scored with 115, Rickelton made 101
• Series winner takes top spot in ICC Test rankings

Brief Scores: South Africa (329 and 387) lead Australia (429) by 287 runs at the close of play on Day 4 of third Test

South Africa were staring at a collapse at 181 for 5, but Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder had other plans. With the series hanging in the balance, the duo dug deep, struck magnificent centuries and dragged South Africa back into the contest on Day 4 of the third Test. Their 154-run stand for the sixth wicket turned the game around, leaving Australia with 288 runs to chase for a series victory at Newlands.

After conceding a 100-run first-innings lead, South Africa had little room for error. The Australian bowlers had found ways to keep the hosts under pressure, but Rickelton and Mulder refused to buckle. Rather than taking the attack to Australia recklessly, they showed the discipline the situation demanded, negotiated the turn and variable bounce, and punished loose deliveries. It was a far cry from South Africa's hurried approach in the first innings.

South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

Rickelton set the tone with a superb 101 off 219 deliveries, bringing up his third Test hundred. He looked increasingly assured as his innings progressed, finding the gaps through the off side and keeping Australia's bowlers at bay. Just when he seemed poised to take South Africa further, a run-out cut short his resistance. His dismissal, however, did little to take the sting out of the fightback he had led.

In a moment that could have frustrated the South African camp, Rickelton set off for a single after Mulder attempted a reverse sweep. He believed the ball had gone past Josh Inglis at backward point, but the Australian wicketkeeper produced an excellent stop and threw towards Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne took off the bails with Rickelton well short of his crease.

Mulder, however, ensured South Africa did not lose their momentum immediately. The all-rounder went on to score 115 off 221 deliveries, registering his fourth Test century and providing the backbone of the hosts' second-innings recovery.

Just when Australia looked to have wrestled back some control after tea, Mulder found another gear. With wickets tumbling around him, he added 36 crucial runs with Kagiso Rabada for the final wicket, taking South Africa closer to a formidable target.

His innings finally ended in the last over when he attempted to accelerate and holed out to Pat Cummins. South Africa were bowled out for 387, leaving Australia needing 288 for victory.

Australia had spent much of the day searching for a breakthrough. They managed just one wicket across the first two sessions, with Matthew Breetzke falling for 43 after top-edging a pull shot off Cummins to fine leg. The Australian captain finally ended his wait for a Test wicket, striking for the first time since the opening match of the series and ending a drought of 374 balls.

The visitors eventually found some momentum after tea, but Rickelton and Mulder had already done enough to ensure the contest was heading towards a compelling finish.

AUSTRALIA FACE TEST OF CHARACTER

The challenge facing Australia is far from straightforward. Newlands has begun to show signs of wear, with Nathan Lyon extracting considerable turn and the seamers finding variable bounce. A target of 288 might appear within reach on paper, but batting last on this surface could be a very different proposition.

South Africa, meanwhile, will have the advantage of a rested bowling attack after spending much of the day in the field. Their bowlers will know that a few early wickets could put Australia under enormous pressure and bring the series within their grasp.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Newlands remains Australia's 331 against South Africa in 2002, under Ricky Ponting. The current Australian side will need to produce another memorable effort if they are to get close to that mark.

The series is locked at 1-1 after Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, before South Africa responded with an innings and 31-run victory in Gqeberha.

There is more than just the series at stake. The winner of the third Test will also claim the number one spot in the world Test rankings, currently held by Australia.

After four days of fluctuating fortunes, the contest has come down to one final innings. South Africa have given themselves a chance. Australia now have to find a way to finish the job.

- Ends