South Africa Sets Australia Target in Third Test

Australia must chase 288 runs on the final day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town after a late batting collapse ended the hosts' second innings at 387 on Friday.

South Africa resumed play on day four at 4-140 before centurions Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder shared a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

The match carries high stakes as the series is tied at 1-1, with the winner claiming the series victory and vital standings points.

The highest successful fourth-innings run chase at Newlands is 331, achieved by Australia in 2002.

Rickelton scored 101 runs and Mulder contributed 115 runs before a late collapse saw the hosts lose five wickets for 52 runs.

Mitchell Starc took 3-65 for Australia, bringing his match total to nine wickets on a pitch offering significant turn for spinners.

Australia deployed eight bowlers during the day as frustration grew over the lack of early breakthroughs.

Pat Cummins claimed the wicket of Matthew Breetzke for 43 runs, ending a personal wicket drought that spanned more than 62 overs.

Commentator Corbin Middlemas said on ABC Sport, "It’s starting to get out of hand for Australia."

Phil Jacques said on ABC Sport that the match was slipping away from the visiting side during the afternoon session.

The partnership ended when Rickelton was run out following a mix-up with Mulder.

Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen fell soon after for low scores.

Mulder was finally caught in the deep off Cummins in the final over of the day.

Australia will begin the final day needing 288 runs to secure the series victory.