Proteas v Australia day 5: Aussies need 288 to win Newlands decider

Australia need 288 runs to win the deciding third Test at Newlands on Saturday 31 October 2026, after the Proteas were bowled out for 387 in their second innings on day four (The Guardian, ABC News). The Proteas need all 10 Australian wickets. Play starts at 10:30 SAST, with the series level at 1-1 (SuperSport).

How did the Proteas get back into the Test?

South Africa started Friday on 140 for 4, only 40 runs ahead (ABC News). Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder then batted through the first two sessions without losing a wicket together, adding 113 for the sixth wicket by tea (AAP, The Guardian).

Rickelton reached his third Test century before he was run out for 101. Mulder made 115, his fourth Test hundred, before he was caught off Pat Cummins with the last ball of the day's play (The Guardian).

What is the scorecard so far?

Sources: cricket.com.au, The Guardian.

Mitchell Starc took nine wickets in the match for Australia (The Guardian).

Is 288 a big target at Newlands?

It would be a near record. The highest successful fourth innings chase in a Newlands Test is 331, by Australia in 2002, and the next best is 236, by South Africa in 2011 (AAP). Australia have the whole of day five to get the runs, so a win for either side or a draw are all still possible.

What time does day five start and where can I watch?

Source: SuperSport.

In South Africa the Test is live on SuperSport Cricket, DStv channel 212, and on DStv Stream (SuperSport). For the live score, follow Cricket South Africa's official Proteas page or SuperSport.

Day five clashes with a big afternoon of sport, including the Soweto Derby at 15:30. See our guide to Pirates v Chiefs kick-off, TV and tickets and our earlier Newlands Test guide.