South Africa Set Australia 288 to Win WTC Series Decider After Epic Day 4 Fightback

South Africa staged a magnificent lower-order fightback on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town, setting the visitors a target of 288 runs to win the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series-deciding match.

Resuming their second innings at 140/4, South Africa were eventually bowled out for 387 in 134.4 overs. The hosts' innings was anchored by a record-threatening 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Ryan Rickelton, who scored 101 off 219 balls, and Wiaan Mulder, who contributed 115 off 221 balls. This partnership stands as the second-highest for South Africa against Australia for the sixth wicket in Test cricket.

Key Innings and Partnerships

• Ryan Rickelton: 101 runs from 219 balls, featuring 12 boundaries, before being run out in the 120th over.
• Wiaan Mulder: 115 runs from 221 balls, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes as the final wicket to fall.
• Sixth-Wicket Stand: 154 runs between Rickelton and Mulder that frustrated the Australian bowling attack across two sessions.
• Lower-Order Support: Kagiso Rabada aided Mulder at No.11 to help push the total to 387.

Bowling Figures

• Mitchell Starc: 3/65 in 24 overs
• Pat Cummins: 2/71
• Nathan Lyon: 2/101

Earlier in the match, South Africa posted 329 in their first innings, to which Australia replied with 429 to claim a 100-run first-innings lead. With the three-match series currently level at 1-1, a thrilling Day 5 awaits to determine the series winner in the WTC cycle.

Match Details & Schedule

• Competition: ICC World Test Championship 2025/27
• Fixture: Third Test, Day 5 pending
• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
• Previous Results: First Test in Durban won by Australia by 214 runs; Second Test in Gqeberha won by South Africa by an innings and 31 runs.

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