Rickelton and Mulder centuries sets up enthralling final day at Newlands

By SABC Sport
30th October 2026

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder each struck brilliant centuries to set up what should be an intriguing final day of the third and deciding Test between the Proteas and Australia at Newlands.

The left-handed Rickelton, on 8 not out overnight, struck 101 while Mulder scored 115 as the Proteas racked up a total of 387 all out, before Mulder was the final wicket to fall on fourth day to leave Australia a target of 288 on Saturday.

Rickelton and Breetzke started proceedings on Friday morning, with the Proteas in trouble on 140-4, a lead of only 40, and the home duo were circumspect in the session as they looked to occupy the crease.

Breetzke would eventually perish for 48 though, another home batter falling to the short-ball with the number 5 hitting down the throat of fine-leg.

At that stage the game was still in the balance with the lead only 80 but Rickelton and Mulder batted out the entire second session and into the evening as they blunted the Australian attack.

Ricketlon reached a his hundred from 218 balls, but was then run-out for 101 to bring an end to a brilliant 154-run partnership.

The needless run-out then sparked a mini-collapse with Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee falling cheaply as Australia would have started to believe again at 351-9, a lead of 251.

Last man Kagiso Rabada kept Mulder company as the number 7 reached his fourth Test hundred, with the emotional celebration that followed knowing what that wold mean for the team.

Mulder and Rabada eventually added 36 vital runs with Mulder opening up and smashing four sixes before being caught at at the lone-on to bring a special day to a close with everything on the line on Day 5.