Reviewed by Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Published 30 October 2026
South Africa closed the third day of the Newlands Test on 140 for 4, a lead of 40 runs with six second-innings wickets standing, after Australia’s 429 had put the hosts 100 behind on first innings.
Australia were bowled out for 429 on Thursday, a first-innings lead of 100 over South Africa’s 329. Josh Inglis made a century and Matt Renshaw 74. Simon Harmer took four wickets and Marco Jansen 3 for 60 for the Proteas.
Ackerman and Bavuma rebuild
Marques Ackerman passed fifty and put on 64 for the third wicket with Temba Bavuma, who was bowled by Nathan Lyon. At stumps on Thursday Matthew Breetzke was 19 not out and Ryan Rickelton 8 not out.
The lead of 40 is slender, and the fourth day begins with the Test unresolved.
A series decider
This is the third and last Test of the Australian tour, and the series is level at one win each. South Africa squared it with an innings and 31-run win in Gqeberha, where Bavuma made 179, after Australia had taken the first Test.
Whichever side bats longest in Cape Town on Friday sets the target, and for readers following South Africa sports news the series rests on it.
