South Africa set 288-run target as Australia falters on day five of Cape Town Test

South Africa posted a 288-run target for Australia in the fifth innings of the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, putting the series on a decisive finish. By the lunch break, Australia were 62 for 7, with Cameron Green the top-scorer on 27 runs.

Kagiso Rabada claimed three wickets in the session, dismissing Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, while Tim Harmer added three more dismissals, including Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green.

"Rabada really likes it, he’s roaring," a match commentator noted after Rabada’s spell, highlighting his impact with the new ball.

Australia’s chase stalled as wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving them 62 for 7 and still 226 runs short of the target. South Africa’s bowlers, including Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, maintained pressure, exploiting turn and seam on a flat pitch.

"If they bat 90 overs, they’ll score what needs to be scored," said a South African analyst, emphasizing the difficulty of the chase.

The match outlook suggests a high probability of a South African victory, with the target appearing increasingly challenging as Australia’s lower order struggled to add runs.