Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder Script World Record With Twin Centuries, End 37-Year Drought

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder also etched their names into the record books.© Getty

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck fighting centuries to rescue South Africa in the third and final Test in Cape Town, setting up a blockbuster final day in the series decider. Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) stitched together a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping South Africa set a target of 287. It was a full-circle moment for the childhood friends, who both graduated from St Stithians College in Johannesburg. The Proteas were staring at defeat on Day 4, but Rickelton and Mulder's defiant partnership ensured the hosts remained in contention, setting up a thrilling final-day showdown with victory still within South Africa's grasp.

Rickelton and Mulder also etched their names into the record books, becoming the first No. 6 and No. 7 pair, or lower, to score a century each against Australia in the second innings of a Test match.

Overall, this was only the fourth instance of a No. 6 and No. 7 pair scoring centuries in a team's second innings of a Test match, and the first since 1989, when Australia's Dean Jones and Steve Waugh achieved the feat against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

The milestone was first recorded in 1937, when Australian greats Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman both scored hundreds against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, Rickelton brought up a gritty century, striking 12 boundaries, before being run out by Josh Inglis in the 120th over. Mulder continued to score freely, hitting 10 fours and four sixes in his 115-run knock.

With Rickelton's dismissal, Australia appeared poised to wrap up the innings quickly, but Kagiso Rabada provided valuable support to Mulder from the other end, helping him reach his hundred.

Cummins eventually dismissed Mulder as the last wicket, bringing South Africa's second innings to an end at 387 in 134.4 overs and leaving Australia with 288 runs to chase on the final day.

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