Rickelton and Mulder Make Test History With Twin Centuries at Newlands

Cape Town witnessed a slice of cricket history. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, two childhood friends from St Stithians College, both scored centuries in South Africa’s second innings at Newlands. It is a feat that had not been seen in Test cricket since 1989, and it flipped the series decider on its head.

A Fightback Built on Friendship

South Africa had trailed by 100 runs on the first innings and resumed the fourth day at 140 for 4. Australia sensed an opening, but Rickelton and Mulder had other plans. They batted together from the ninth over before lunch until an hour after tea.

Their stand of 154 lifted the hosts from 181 for 5 to 335 for 6. It turned a tense situation into a commanding one. The partnership gave both batters the time and platform to convert starts into hundreds.

The Numbers Behind the Milestone

Rickelton was patient and organised, while Mulder added the flair with four sixes. Together they ground down the Australian attack for nearly 54 overs.

A Run-Out That Stung

The partnership ended in the 120th over. Rickelton ran for a second run, but Mulder stayed at his end. A sharp piece of fielding involving Josh Inglis ended Rickelton’s innings on 101.

He could still smile about it afterwards. “It was really special until he ran me out. And then I was quite pissed off,” Rickelton said.

He was quick to praise his friend too. “I’m sad I wasn’t out there for him, because he played incredibly well today and deserved it, too.”

Mulder Finishes the Job

Mulder carried on and reached his hundred with support from Kagiso Rabada at the other end. He finished on 115 before Pat Cummins removed him. South Africa were bowled out in the last over of the day for 387 in 134.4 overs.

That left Australia a target of 288 to win the third Test and the series. The contest was level at 1-1 heading into the final day.

Why This Feat Is So Rare

A No. 6 and No. 7 batter each scoring a century in the same team’s second innings has happened only four times in Test history. The previous instance came in 1989, when Dean Jones and Steve Waugh did it for Australia against Sri Lanka in Hobart. That is a gap of 37 years.

Another early example came at the MCG in 1937, when Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman both made hundreds against England. Rickelton and Mulder are now the fourth pair to achieve it, and the first from South Africa.

Stat Snapshot

What Comes Next

The stage is set for a gripping final day at Newlands. South Africa have a fighting total and a story of friendship that will be hard to forget. Australia must now chase 288 with the series on the line.

Whatever happens next, Rickelton and Mulder have already earned their place in the record books. Two friends who grew up playing together have written their names alongside some of the game’s greats.