SA vs AUS 3rd Test, day 5 preview: who wins the Cape Town decider?
288 to win, one day left, the series and the No.1 Test ranking on the line. Mulder's 115 not out set up the target; Simon Harmer and the Newlands rough stand in Australia's way.
Key points
- Day four: Rickelton and Mulder added 154; Rickelton made 100 before a mix-up ran him out, Mulder finished 115 not out, and South Africa were all out for 387.
- Australia's 288 would be the biggest chase at Newlands, beating their own 334 in 2002.
- Simon Harmer against four Australian left-handers is the key battle; Travis Head has to take the game away early without Steve Smith.
- Our odds: South Africa 55%, Australia 30%, draw 15%.
Read the transcript
288 to win, one day left, the series on the line. Day four belonged to South Africa: 247 runs and a wicketless afternoon. Cummins struck before lunch, his first wicket in 372 balls. Then Rickelton and Mulder put on 154.
Rickelton reached 100 before a mix-up ran him out. Mulder carried on to 115 not out as the tail fell around him. All out for 387. Australia need 288, the biggest chase ever made at Newlands.
Australia, 334 back in 2002. The danger man is Simon Harmer: four Australian left-handers, and the rough waiting outside their off stump. Australia's hope: Travis Head. Without Steve Smith, he has to take the game away early.
Two down or fewer at lunch and Australia can win it. Bat the whole day and it's a draw. Early wickets and South Africa take the series. I'll call South Africa 55, Australia 30, the draw 15.
Harmer to take five and the series to the Proteas. Who wins day five? Tell us in the comments and subscribe to Sportzian.
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