Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder frustrated Australia for long periods on day four, but a strong finish kept the tourists in contention to win the final Test.

South Africa have set a target of 288 heading into day five, having seen their last wicket fall on the final ball of the day to finish with 387 in their second innings.

The Proteas resumed at 140-4, with a 40-run lead, and Matthew Breetzke took his overnight tally to 43 before he gifted Australia their only wicket of the first session when he succumbed to a short ball from Pat Cummins (2-71).

Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) then both reached their centuries as they put together a 154-run partnership as Australia failed to take a wicket in a largely frustrating second session.

However, after tea, they found their groove once more after Rickelton was run out by Josh Inglis for the sixth wicket.

They then tumbled as Marco Jansen (0), Simon Harmer (1) and Gerald Coetzee (1) all fell quickly in the space of seven overs.

Mulder continued to hold his nerve but could not drag South Africa's innings into day five as he was caught by Mitchell Starc off Cummins’ bowling as the last action of the day, leaving Australia in with a chance of clinching the decisive third Test in the series.

Stumps, Day 4! What a day for #TheProteas, with two magnificent centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder putting the team in a good position heading into the final day!  #TheProteas are bowled out for 387 after 134.4 overs, taking their lead to 287 runs! We return tomorrow for the final day of the Third Dafabet Test, with play set to get underway at 10:30am as Australia require 288 runs to win. Don’t miss a moment!  #Unbreakable #SAvAUS

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 30, 2026

South Africa ease the pressure at the right time

With a series victory on the line, it looked like Australia were in control of this third and final Test heading into day four, but South Africa have just changed the momentum.

A disappointing start to their second innings meant South Africa needed something big – and quick – if they wanted to make sure they were not chasing shadows on the final day.

And Rickelton and Mulder ensured that would be the case. By the time the teams went into the third session, Australia were frustrated, having taken just one wicket up to that point, with Breetzke's impatience getting the better of him at the wrong time.

Rickelton and Mulder both brought up their third Test centuries, with the former hitting 12 boundaries in his 219-ball knock, while the latter hit 10 fours and four sixes, facing 221 balls.

Australia gained some late momentum, with run-outs on Rickelton and Coetzee proving invaluable, but South Africa now need to work even harder with the ball to stop Australia from reaching their target of 288 on the final day.