London
14 °C
Manchester
13 °C
Glasgow
10 °C
Dublin
15 °C
Belfast
Washington
Denver
Atlanta
24 °C
Dallas
20 °C
Houston Texas
New Orleans
24 °C
El Paso
Phoenix
19 °C
Los Angeles
9 °C
-6 °C
6 °C
4 °C
17 °C
Rickelton, Mulder centuries lift South Africa's chances in Test decider / Photo: © AFP
Rickelton, Mulder centuries lift South Africa's chances in Test decider
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder made centuries as South Africa fought their way back into the series-deciding third Test against Australia at Newlands on Friday.
Rickelton made 101 and Mulder 115 in a South African second innings total of 387. The innings ended in the last over of the fourth day, setting Australia to make 288 runs to win on the final day. The series between the two leading Test nations is tied at 1-1.
South Africa started the day only 40 runs in front with four wickets down.
One wicket fell in the first five hours of the day as Rickelton and Mulder built a sixth wicket partnership of 154
Just when it seemed South Africa were forging a strong position, Rickelton was run out shortly before the afternoon drinks break.
His dismissal sparked a collapse. Four wickets fell for 16 runs in another twist in a series which has featured numerous changes of fortune.
But Kagiso Rabada stayed with Mulder, who reached his century during a last wicket stand of 36, leaving Australia to face a big challenge on the final day.
Mulder finished the day with a flourish, hitting Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins for sixes after passing three figures before being caught at deep midwicket off Cummins in the last over of the day.
L.Lopez--SFF
