# South Africa-Australia set for classic finale – what does history suggest could happen?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/south-africa-australia-set-for-classic-finale-what-does-history-suggest-could-happen/
- Published: 2026-10-30T17:03:40+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T17:13:11+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c6n8dpvyyy71o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Africa, Sport, World

## Key points

- South Africa set Australia 288 to win the deciding Test.
- The winner will finish top of the Test rankings.
- The pitch is turning, but Australia have chased big targets recently.

## Summary

South Africa moved from a vulnerable position to a strong chance of winning the deciding Test against Australia, setting a target of 288 on day four in Cape Town. The winner will take the series and finish top of the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.

Ryan Rickelton scored 101 and Wiaan Mulder made 115, including a 36-run stand with last man Kagiso Rabada. Australia’s chase would be Newlands’ second-highest successful fourth-innings pursuit; the record is Australia’s 331-run chase in 2002. The pitch showed more turn late in the day, with South African spinner Simon Harmer likely to be important, while Australia have recently completed several difficult chases.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.