South Africa vs Australia: Hosts set up epic finale
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- South Africa, after a challenging start on day four, posted a total of 387 with Ryan Rickelton scoring 101 and Wiaan Mulder an unbeaten 115, setting Australia a target of 288 to win the match.
- Australia faces a tough chase as 288 would be the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Newlands, with the highest being 331 in 2002 against South Africa.
- The pitch has become more difficult as the match progressed, with increased turn and a PitchViz rating of 6.6 in the final session, indicating challenging batting conditions for Australia.
- South Africa's bowlers, particularly Simon Harmer, who took key wickets in Australia's first innings, will be crucial in defending the target.
- Despite some late runs from South Africa's tail-enders, the match remains finely balanced with a 54% chance of victory predicted for the hosts by analysts.
