"It's Win Or Lose": Ryan Rickelton Sets Stage For Blockbuster South Africa vs Australia Test Finale

NDTV Sports · 31 Oct 2026, 11:05 AM IST

The series-deciding final Test between South Africa and Australia is set for a thrilling finish on Saturday, with the series result, the No. 1 Test ranking and crucial World Test Championship points all at stake on the final day. South Africa wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stressing that the match was headed towards a decisive result. "It's win or lose, I guess. No draw tomorrow. If you had told me it would come down to the third Test, on day five, with the series on the line, I probably wouldn't have believed it. It's been a special series," Rickelton said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

Centuries from Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder powered a remarkable South African fightback, setting Australia a challenging target of 288 runs to win the series-deciding third Test of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 at Newlands, Cape Town.

Resuming under pressure at 140/4 in their second innings on the fourth morning, South Africa were eventually bowled out for 387 in 134.4 overs.

South Africa's innings was anchored by a superb 154-run sixth-wicket partnership between Rickelton, who scored 101 off 219 balls, and Mulder, who made 115 off 221 deliveries. The stand is the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership for South Africa against Australia in Test cricket.

Rickelton also noted that while the new ball could provide Australia with scoring opportunities, the slow and deteriorating pitch would make a successful chase far from straightforward.

"I just think with the new ball there are runs available, but there are wickets available too. The pitch has been quite slow. If Australia decide to have a real go at it, that could factor into the contest."

"For them to score at roughly three runs an over throughout the day will be a big ask, especially on a slow, low and deteriorating surface," he added.

Earlier in the match, South Africa posted 329 in their first innings before Australia replied with 429, securing a 100-run lead.

With the three-match World Test Championship series locked at 1-1, both sides remain in contention for a series victory heading into the decisive final day.

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