Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder produced magnificent centuries to haul South Africa out of trouble and put Australia under pressure, setting up a tantalising final-day showdown in the deciding Dafabet Test at Newlands.
Cape Town is bracing for a cricketing crescendo after Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder transformed South Africa’s fortunes with magnificent centuries to leave Australia chasing 288 for victory on the fifth and final day of the deciding Dafabet Test at YesPlay Newlands on Saturday.
The Proteas were dismissed for 387 in their second innings on Friday, establishing a target that promises a nerve-shredding finish beneath Table Mountain. With the series delicately balanced, both teams have 90 overs to turn an absorbing contest into a memorable victory.
Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) rescued South Africa from a precarious 140-4, producing a magnificent sixth-wicket partnership of 154 runs that dragged the hosts back into the contest.
Rickelton faced 219 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries for his third Test century and second at Newlands. His highest score of 257 also came at the picturesque Cape ground, while Friday’s hundred was his fourth in four First Class innings.
Mulder was equally magnificent, reaching his third Test century from 204 deliveries, with 10 fours and four sixes. His innings was a masterclass in patience, temperament and situational awareness.
The partnership ended in unfortunate fashion when Rickelton charged down the pitch, was sent back by Mulder and found himself stranded as Josh Inglis whipped the ball to Marnus Labuschagne, who removed the bails.
“It’s flat!” joked Rickelton about the Newlands surface.
“It’s a special place, lovely wicket to bat on. It’s not just the ground itself but the essence of Cape Town I really enjoy.
“It was very special until he ran me out, and then I was quite peed off! But it was special, we have played a lot of cricket together over the years and we know each other’s games pretty well.”
The dismissal opened the floodgates. Marco Jansen pulled Mitchell Starc (3-65) into Nathan Lyon’s hands without scoring, Simon Harmer (1) was bowled by Lyon (2-101), and Gerald Coetzee (1) was run out by Labuschagne.
Australia claimed five wickets in the final session, with bowling coach James Franklin acknowledging the significance of the South African recovery.
“It’s been a pretty attritional day for us. An outstanding partnership between Rickelton and Mulder and it’s heading up for a last great day in this Test series,” said Franklin.
“We’ve seen that through this Test match that when one wicket falls, another one falls very quickly and obviously in that last hour we got five.”
Mulder provided the finishing flourish, adding 36 runs with Kagiso Rabada for the final wicket, who contributed only two. His decision to protect Rabada and turn down comfortable singles demonstrated remarkable maturity.
He eventually fell to Pat Cummins in the final over, caught by Starc at long-on, having earned a standing ovation from the Newlands faithful.
Rickelton believes those additional runs could prove decisive.
“It was massive, really, really big. It was a bit frustrating that we were in such a good position to drive home 300-350 then obviously that run out dropped that for us but to get effectively 290 on a day five wicket, psychologically takes it out of you so those extra runs will hopefully take us over the line,” he said.
South Africa had resumed at 140-4, with Matthew Breetzke (43) alongside Rickelton. Breetzke reached a 50-run partnership with Rickelton before pulling Cummins (2-71) straight to Starc at fine leg.
Mulder and Rickelton subsequently added 92 runs during the middle session, taking South Africa to tea at 294-5. The hosts accumulated another 93 runs despite losing five wickets in the final session.
“I think it was just about winning the small moments. We knew effectively we were 40 for four and they would come hard at us, so it was just about trying to spend time at the wicket, not scoring runs or getting too far ahead of ourselves,” said Rickelton.
AUSTRALIA FACE A FORMIDABLE FINAL-DAY ASSIGNMENT
Australia dominated the opening two days, with South Africa’s first innings of 329 built around an opening partnership of 158 between Aiden Markram (78) and Marques Ackerman (95). David Bedingham (50), Jansen (52) and Rickelton (41) also contributed before Starc unleashed a devastating spell of 6-12 in six and a half overs, finishing with 6-72.
Australia replied with 429, establishing a 100-run first-innings advantage. Matthew Renshaw (74), Cameron Green (65), Inglis (102) and Carey (80) provided the backbone, with Inglis and Carey combining for a 191-run fifth-wicket partnership.
Franklin admitted Australia’s first-day assessment had required adjustment.
“We thought there might have been a little bit more in the pitch on day one but 140 at lunch was a little bit of a ‘take a breath’ moment, but we reassessed and picked up 10 wickets,” he quipped.
South Africa fought back superbly on day three, taking six wickets for 59 runs to dismiss Australia before losing four wickets in their second innings. Ackerman’s 62 and Bavuma’s 35 provided resistance before Starc and Lyon struck.
Franklin believes the contest has delivered everything expected of a series decider.
“It’s been a special series that has ebbed and flowed throughout, it’s been a cracking series and hopefully it comes down to a really good day for South Africa tomorrow.”
THE FINAL-DAY EQUATION
Australia need 288 runs, with 10 wickets in hand, to claim the series. Travis Head, Renshaw, Labuschagne, Green, Inglis and Carey give the visitors considerable batting ammunition.
South Africa need 10 wickets to secure a potentially priceless series victory. Rabada, Jansen, Coetzee, Harmer and Mulder will carry the responsibility, with the Newlands surface offering the prospect of increasing assistance for the spinners as the match progresses.
The second-highest successful run chase at Newlands is the benchmark Australia must overcome.
The Proteas need early breakthroughs, disciplined lines and relentless pressure. Harmer’s ability to exploit turn, Rabada’s aggression with the new ball and Jansen’s bounce could make the difference.
Australia will want a solid opening stand, a patient approach and a platform for their experienced middle order. Lose early wickets and the chase could become a steep mountain climb.
Rickelton and Mulder have handed South Africa a fighting chance after an extraordinary rescue mission. Now the bowlers must finish the job.
The final chapter is unwritten, the series trophy is within reach and Newlands is ready for a Saturday showdown that could become a Cape Town classic.
