South Africa Sets 288-Run Target Against Australia in Third Test
South Africa scored 387 runs, setting Australia a target of 288 in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town.
Cape Town, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : South Africa faced Australia in the third Test match at Newlands, Cape Town, with significant developments on the fourth day. After South Africa concluded their second innings at 387 runs, they set a challenging target of 288 runs for Australia.
The South African innings began poorly, losing Aiden Markram for just one run. David Bedingham followed suit, managing only 11 runs. However, captain Temba Bavuma and Marques Ackermann stabilized the innings, adding 64 runs for the third wicket. Bavuma was dismissed for 35, failing to capitalize on his start.
Ackermann played a crucial role, scoring 62 runs off 80 balls, featuring eight boundaries. Matthew Britzkie contributed 43 runs. After a shaky start, with South Africa at 181 for five, Aiden Markram and Vian Mulder formed a formidable partnership, adding 154 runs for the sixth wicket off 318 balls.
Both Mulder and Rickelton delivered impressive performances, scoring centuries. Rickelton hit 101 runs, including 12 fours, while Mulder faced 221 balls for his 115 runs, which included 10 fours and four sixes. This total of 387 runs marks South Africa’s third-highest score at this venue.
In the final stages, South Africa lost their last six wickets for just 53 runs. For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took two each, with Josh Hazlewood adding one to his tally. Historically, only once has a team successfully chased a target of over 280 runs at Newlands, a feat achieved by Australia in 2002 when they chased down 331 runs.
