Proteas set Australia a 288-run decider, Geelong storm into AFLW top two as Sixers steal WBBL thriller

Friday delivered a strong night of Australian sport, with Geelong securing a top-two AFLW finish, the Sydney Sixers snatching a last-ball WBBL victory and the Adelaide 36ers producing an impressive road win in the NBL. Brisbane Roar also rescued a point against A-League champions Auckland, while Australia's cricketers were handed a challenging target in the deciding Test against South Africa.

Cricket — South Africa set Australia 288 to win series decider

Australia will need something special on the final day of the third Test after South Africa turned the match around to establish a 287-run lead at Newlands. The hosts resumed Friday's play at 4-140 in their second innings, holding only a 40-run advantage. Australia appeared well placed to wrap up the innings cheaply, but Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder had other ideas. The pair combined for a crucial partnership, frustrating Australia's attack for much of the day. Rickelton eventually reached 101 before being run out following a mix-up, while Mulder continued to punish the visitors, reaching 115 from 221 deliveries.

South Africa eventually collapsed late in the innings, losing several wickets in quick succession, but Mulder's contribution ensured the hosts reached 387 all out.

Nathan Lyon finished with 2-101, while Pat Cummins claimed two wickets, including a much-needed breakthrough after a lengthy period without a Test dismissal. Australia now face a target of 288 to win the match and take the series 2-1. It would require one of the more significant successful fourth-innings chases in Newlands' history, particularly given the deteriorating pitch and the threat posed by South Africa's spin attack.

Sheffield Shield — South Australia mount unlikely comeback

South Australia have given themselves a genuine opportunity to produce an extraordinary Sheffield Shield victory against Western Australia at Adelaide Oval. After being dismissed for just 154 in their first innings, the defending champions faced a daunting target of 422 following WA's second innings of 169. Brendan Doggett was the standout with the ball, claiming 4-51, while Ashton Agar contributed 48 for the visitors.

However, South Australia responded superbly in their second innings. Mackenzie Harvey finished the day unbeaten on 90, while captain Nathan McSweeney was 57 not out. Their unbroken partnership of 140 has lifted the home side to 1-182 at stumps. South Australia require another 240 runs on the final day, with nine wickets remaining. A successful chase would surpass the competition's record fourth-innings run chase of 506.

Elsewhere, Tasmania made a strong start against New South Wales at Bellerive Oval, reaching 5-335 on the opening day. Bradley Hope was unbeaten on 83, Jake Doran finished on 69 not out, and Teague Wyllie contributed 64. The pair at the crease will have an opportunity to push Tasmania towards a substantial first-innings total on Saturday.

WBBL — Sixers win last-ball thriller

The Sydney Sixers opened their WBBL campaign with a dramatic four-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat at Allan Border Field. Brisbane posted 154-5, with Charli Knott and Georgia Redmayne both scoring 57 and 58 respectively. Their partnership gave the Heat a strong platform, but the Sixers' bowlers managed to restrict the damage during the final overs.

Ellyse Perry then took charge of the chase, scoring 58 from 38 deliveries to put Sydney in a strong position.

The Sixers nevertheless made life difficult for themselves, losing wickets at regular intervals and requiring a boundary from the final delivery to complete the chase. Sarah Coyte provided the finishing touch, finding the boundary to secure a four-wicket victory with the scores reaching 157-6. It was an encouraging start for the Sixers, while Brisbane will be disappointed after allowing a promising total to slip away.

AFLW — Geelong secure top-two finish with 68-point demolition

Geelong have confirmed their place in the AFLW's top two after producing another commanding performance, defeating the Western Bulldogs 88-20 at GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats were dominant from the opening bounce, establishing a 44-point half-time advantage after kicking eight consecutive goals.

Jackie Parry was the standout, booting five goals, while Chantal Mason added three and Chloe Scheer contributed two. The result extended Geelong's winning streak to 11 consecutive matches, securing a home qualifying final and giving the club a valuable double chance in the upcoming finals series. Parry's performance was particularly significant, with her five goals taking her season tally to 26 and establishing a new AFLW single-season goals record.

The Bulldogs struggled to generate meaningful attacking opportunities against Geelong's defensive structure and were left with considerable work to do heading into the finals.

For the Cats, however, it was another emphatic demonstration of their premiership credentials.

Football — Roar snatch dramatic late draw against Auckland

Brisbane Roar rescued a point against defending A-League champions Auckland FC, scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium.

Auckland captain Hiroki Sakai opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage.

Brisbane controlled much of the possession but struggled to turn their dominance into goals. The Roar created several opportunities throughout the match, with their persistence finally rewarded when defender Tom Aldred headed home from a late corner in the 95th minute. The equaliser preserved Brisbane's unbeaten start to the season and denied Auckland a valuable away victory. For Auckland, the late concession will be particularly frustrating after spending much of the contest defending their advantage.

Australian Championship — Sydney Olympic edge five-goal contest

Sydney Olympic recorded an important 3-2 victory over Marconi Stallions in the Australian Championship at Sydney Olympic Park. Michael Ruhs gave Olympic an early advantage with two goals inside the opening 25 minutes, putting the home side firmly in control. Marconi responded through S. De Robillard in the 64th minute, but Andrew Mostofi restored Olympic's two-goal cushion nine minutes later. Marconi's Daniel Tsekenis scored in the 89th minute to set up a tense finish, but Olympic held on for its first points of the group-stage campaign. The result gives the Sydney club renewed hope of progressing, while Marconi are left needing a strong response in their remaining fixtures.

NBL — Cotton leads Adelaide past Breakers as Kings survive Tasmania scare

The Adelaide 36ers produced an impressive attacking performance to defeat the New Zealand Breakers 108-101 at Spark Arena. Adelaide established a 13-point half-time advantage before the Breakers fought their way back into the contest during the third quarter. New Zealand briefly moved ahead early in the final period, but Bryce Cotton took control when it mattered most. Cotton scored 31 points and added six assists, including a pair of crucial three-pointers late in the game. John Jenkins III contributed 21 points, while Nick Rakocevic and Zylan Cheatham both finished with 17.

Sam Mennenga led the Breakers with 28 points in a strong individual performance that ultimately wasn't enough to prevent defeat. Meanwhile, the Sydney Kings produced a late comeback to defeat the Tasmania JackJumpers 71-68 in Launceston. Tasmania appeared set for victory after opening a seven-point advantage with three minutes remaining, but Sydney responded with a decisive 12-2 run.

Makuach Maluach hit a crucial three-pointer during the comeback, while Xavier Cooks contributed 15 points and Kendric Davis finished with 20 points and nine assists.

Dakota Mathias led Tasmania with 20 points, but the JackJumpers couldn't hold on in the closing stages. The result lifted Sydney back to the top of the NBL ladder, while Adelaide's victory provided another boost to its campaign.

Rugby Union — Australian Deaf Rugby heads to world championships

Australia's men's and women's Deaf Rugby Sevens teams are preparing for the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Tokyo, which begins this weekend. The men's side will be led by captain Tim Anstey, with Jack Cale serving as vice-captain. Cale, whose brother Charlie represents the Wallabies, is among the experienced members of the squad. Australia finished runner-up in the men's competition at the previous championship in 2023, losing to Wales in the final.

The women's side will also compete in Tokyo, with both Australian teams hoping to make an impression against an expanded international field. The tournament provides another opportunity to showcase a growing part of Australian rugby and the international opportunities available to deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes.