Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder Score Centuries as South Africa Lead Australia by 287 Runs

Newlands, Cape Town:Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder produced outstanding centuries to put South Africa in a commanding position against Australia on Day 4 of the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town. Their contributions helped the hosts reach 387 all out in 134.4 overs in their second innings, establishing a 287-run lead at stumps.

Rickelton scored a patient 101 off 219 deliveries, including 12 boundaries, while Mulder followed with an impressive 115 from 221 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Their centuries made this a notable occasion in South African Test cricket, with two batters scoring hundreds from No. 6 or lower in the same innings.

The achievement has occurred only four times in South Africa's Test history. John Waite and Paul Winslow achieved the feat against England at Manchester in 1955, scoring 113 and 108 respectively. Brian McMillan and Lance Klusener both made centuries against India at Cape Town in 1997, while Faf du Plessis and Dean Elgar repeated the achievement against New Zealand at Gqeberha in 2013.

Rickelton's latest century was his third in Test cricket, with all three hundreds coming at home. He previously scored 101 against Sri Lanka at Gqeberha in 2024 and produced a memorable 259 against Pakistan at Newlands in 2025. His latest innings further strengthened his reputation as a dependable performer in home conditions.

Rickelton and Mulder turn the match in South Africa's favour

South Africa's second innings was built around contributions from several batters. Marques Ackerman provided valuable support with 62 off 80 balls, while Matthew Breetzke added 43 from 121 deliveries. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed 35 off 115 balls as the hosts worked to extend their advantage.

Rickelton's innings ended through a run-out involving Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne after he had completed his century. Mulder continued to lead the resistance, reaching his fifth Test hundred before being dismissed by Pat Cummins, caught by Mitchell Starc.

Australia's bowlers eventually made inroads into the lower order, with Mitchell Starc finishing as the leading wicket-taker with three wickets. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets each, while Josh Hazlewood picked up one.

South Africa maintain control across Day 4 sessions

South Africa's batting performance was steady across all three sessions. They scored 62/1 in the first session at a run rate of 2.21, with a false-shot percentage of 11.8.

The second session proved particularly productive, as the hosts added 92 runs without losing a wicket. Their run rate increased to 3.28, while the false-shot percentage dropped to 10.1, reflecting the batters' control during that period.

South Africa scored another 93 runs in the final session but lost five wickets at a run rate of 2.93. Despite the late wickets, their overall progress left Australia facing a substantial fourth-innings challenge.

The innings also carried historical significance at Newlands. South Africa's total of 387 was their third-highest against Australia at the Cape Town venue. Their previous higher totals were 651 in the second innings in 2009 and 473 in the third innings in 2002.

South Africa hold a 287-run lead at stumps

South Africa were eventually dismissed for 387 in 134.4 overs, taking their lead to 287 runs. The two centuries from Rickelton and Mulder were the defining contributions, while Ackerman and Breetzke also played important supporting roles.

Australia will now have to negotiate a demanding fourth-innings assignment as the Test moves towards its final day. South Africa, meanwhile, will take confidence from their substantial lead and the pressure their bowlers can apply with a challenging target to defend.