South Africa's Resilient Performance: Mulder and Rickelton Shine in Third Test

In a thrilling third Test against Australia, South Africa's Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton delivered outstanding performances, leading their team to a formidable position. Mulder's fourth Test century and Rickelton's solid innings helped the Proteas establish a significant lead. As the final day approaches, both teams face a tense showdown, with South Africa needing 10 wickets for victory and Australia chasing 288 runs. This match promises an exciting conclusion with all outcomes still possible.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 30, 2026, 23:21 IST

Mulder and Rickelton Propel South Africa's Comeback

In a remarkable display during the third Test against Australia, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder achieved his fourth Test century. He scored 115 runs off 221 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, contributing significantly to his team's fightback.

Alongside Mulder, Ryan Rickelton also made a notable impact with his century, helping the Proteas establish a substantial 287-run lead, setting Australia a challenging target of 288 runs on the final day of the Newlands Test. After a shaky start at 181/5, the duo formed a crucial 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, giving their bowlers a defendable target.

Batting Achievements and Personal Records

This century marks Mulder's fourth out of five scores exceeding fifty in Test cricket, boasting an impressive conversion rate of 80%, the highest among players with four or more Test centuries. Over 27 Tests, he has accumulated 1,440 runs in 45 innings, averaging 36.00, with four centuries and a top score of 367*. In 2023 alone, he has scored 187 runs at an average of 37.40, with his best performance being 115.

Rickelton, on the other hand, celebrated his third Test century, which constitutes 75% of his four scores above fifty. In 18 Tests, he has amassed 1,073 runs at an average of 37.00, including three centuries and a best score of 259.

Match Developments and Anticipation for the Final Day

In their second innings, South Africa was bowled out for 387, recovering from a challenging position after conceding a 100-run lead in the first innings. Rickelton scored 101 runs off 219 balls, while Mulder's 115 runs off 221 balls helped solidify their position, as reported by Cricinfo.

Starting Day 4 at 140/4, South Africa aimed to extend their lead. Matthew Breetzke supported Rickelton but was dismissed for 43 after a top-edged pull shot off Pat Cummins. Rickelton, looking solid, reached his century but was run out due to a mix-up with Mulder, as Josh Inglis executed a sharp stop and throw to Marnus Labuschagne.

Despite a lower-order collapse, Mulder remained steady, reaching his half-century after 138 balls and later securing his fourth Test century with a boundary off Nathan Lyon. He added 36 runs with Kagiso Rabada for the last wicket, pushing South Africa's lead close to 300.

Mulder was dismissed by Cummins just before the day's end, while Starc emerged as Australia's leading bowler with figures of 3/65. Australia, having scored 429 in their first innings against South Africa's 329, now requires 288 runs to win the Test and clinch the series. South Africa needs 10 wickets on the final day to secure victory, with a turning pitch at Newlands promising an exciting conclusion.