Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder create world record with twin centuries against Australia in Cape Town Test.

South Africa finished their second innings at 387.

South Africa produced a stunning fightback against Australia in the third and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town, as Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck magnificent centuries to turn the series decider into a thrilling contest.

The pair rescued the hosts from a difficult position on Day 4, combining for a crucial 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Their efforts helped South Africa post 387 in the second innings, setting Australia a target of 288 runs to win the series-deciding Test.

With the three-match series level at 1-1, the contest has reached a decisive stage, with both teams battling for the victory and the opportunity to claim the No. 1 position in the ICC Test team rankings.

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder script remarkable recovery

South Africa resumed Day 4 at 140/4, holding a lead of only 40 runs. Australia dominated the first innings, scoring 429 in response to the hosts’ 329, and appeared well placed to take control of the match.

However, Rickelton and Mulder changed the momentum with a determined batting display. They focused on defending patiently, punishing loose deliveries and building a partnership that forced Australia’s bowlers to work hard for every wicket.

Rickelton scored 101 off 219 balls, hitting 12 boundaries, while Mulder made 115 from 221 deliveries, including 10 fours and 4 sixes.

Their 154-run stand was the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership for South Africa against Australia, underlining the importance of their contribution in a high-pressure situation.

Rickelton’s century gives South Africa hope

Rickelton played a vital role in stabilising the innings after South Africa lost Matthew Breetzke for 43. The left-hander showed excellent patience against Australia’s pace attack and refused to give away his wicket cheaply.

His century came at a crucial time, allowing South Africa to move from a vulnerable position to one from which they could challenge Australia. Rickelton’s dismissal, however, brought an unexpected twist when a mix-up resulted in his run-out.

South Africa subsequently lost four wickets for just 16 runs, briefly raising hopes of an Australian comeback. Yet Mulder remained at the crease and ensured that the home side finished with a competitive lead.

Wiaan Mulder’s brilliant hundred adds to the drama

Mulder delivered an equally impressive performance, showing composure throughout his innings before accelerating towards the end. His fourth Test century proved crucial in ensuring South Africa did not waste the advantage created by the partnership.

With the lower order collapsing, Mulder found valuable support from Kagiso Rabada. Their 36-run last-wicket stand gave South Africa additional runs and allowed Mulder to complete his hundred.

He eventually fell for 115 in the final over of the innings, caught in the deep off Pat Cummins. South Africa were all out for 387 after 134.4 overs.

Rickelton and Mulder have also scripted history by becoming the first pair of batters at No. 6 and No. 7, or lower, to score centuries in the second innings of a Test against Australia.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the leading wicket-taker with 3/65, while Cummins and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets each.

Australia face a challenging chase at Newlands

Australia now need 288 runs to win the third Test and secure the series. Although the target is achievable, the pitch has shown signs of wear, with turn and variable bounce making batting increasingly difficult.

The visitors will need their top order to negotiate South Africa’s pace attack and spin options without losing early wickets. Meanwhile, the Proteas will look to Rabada, Marco Jansen and their fellow bowlers to exploit the conditions.

A successful Australian chase would require one of the strongest fourth-innings performances at Newlands. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at the venue remains Australia’s 331-run effort against South Africa in 2002, meaning the visitors have a significant challenge ahead.