South Africa leads Australia by 102 runs at lunch on day 4 of third cricket test
South Africa has taken a significant lead against Australia in the third cricket test following strong batting performances by Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder. The match is now set for a decisive final day with Australia needing 288 runs to win.
Why it matters
This match is a high-stakes deciding test in a series that is currently tied, drawing significant interest from the global cricket community.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder lifted South Africa back into series contention against Australia on a day of batting domination in the deciding Newlands cricket test on Friday.
South Africa began day four only 40 runs ahead and four wickets down. But a compelling fightback led by wicketkeeper Rickelton, 101 off 219 balls, and allrounder Mulder, 115 off 221 balls, earned them a lead of 287.
Mulder's dismissal in the day's last over ended South Africa's second innings at 387, setting Australia the entire fifth day to score 288 to win the three-test series which is tied at 1-1.
Australia has the record at Newlands for the highest successful fourth innings chase: 331 in 2002.
But world champion South Africa has the advantage of an increasingly turning last-day pitch and an attack featuring rested and in-form off-spinner Simon Harmer.
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South Africa Sets Australia Target in Third Test
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