Rickelton and Mulder star for Proteas on Day 4 of Test against Aussies

October 30, 2026

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder starred as the Proteas dug in and set Australia a target of 288 on the final day of the third Test in Cape Town.

Centuries from Rickelton and Mulder helped South Africa stage a remarkable lower-order fightback, leaving Australia with a challenging target in the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series-decider at Newlands.

The day began with South Africa looking to build on their overnight position. Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickelton started steadily, but Pat Cummins produced a short ball that rose sharply in the 67th over, forcing Breetzke (43) to mistime a pull shot straight to Mitchell Starc.

Coming in at 181/5, Mulder joined Rickelton at the crease, and the pair proceeded to frustrate the Australian bowling attack across two gruelling sessions.

Rickelton compiled a gritty 101, featuring 12 boundaries, before being run out by Josh Inglis in the 120th over. Mulder continued to attack, striking 10 fours and 4 sixes in his stellar 115 before falling to Cummins as the final wicket of the day.

Following Rickelton’s dismissal, it seemed as though Australia’s bowling would run through the Proteas’s lower order. However Kagiso Rabada provided valuable support as the No.11 batter, helping Mulder reach his century.

The innings eventually folded at 387, setting Australia a target of 288 runs on Day 5.

The Proteas had posted 329 in their first innings, before Australia responded with 429 to claim a 100-run lead.

With the three-match series level at 1-1, both have a chance to claim victory in the series decider.

Stumps, Day 4! 🇿🇦

What a day for #TheProteas, with two magnificent centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder putting the team in a good position heading into the final day! 👏

#TheProteas are bowled out for 387 after 134.4 overs, taking their lead to 287 runs! 💪😤

We return tomorrow for the final day of the Third Dafabet Test, with play set to get underway at 10:30am as Australia require 288 runs to win. Don’t miss a moment! 🏏

#Unbreakable #SAvAUS

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 30, 2026