South Africa reached 102-4 at the close of day four in a match where they require 319 runs to secure victory. Australia declared their second innings at 314-6 following a first innings total of 390 runs.
Matt Renshaw contributed 89 runs in the second innings and previously scored 190 runs during the first. Renshaw also claimed his first Test wicket by dismissing Temba Bavuma.
Pat Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs while Josh Hazlewood took 2 wickets for 20 runs. Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 45 from 115 balls, having shared a 66-run stand with David Bedingham in 19.4 overs.
Markram has faced 313 balls from Nathan Lyon without being dismissed and maintains a fourth-innings Test average of 45.56. Anrich Nortje took 2 wickets for 56 runs and struck Steve Smith on the helmet with a bouncer.
Maharaj also claimed 2 wickets for 56 runs during the match. Africa scored 284 in their first innings, while Temba Bavuma has led his side to 11 wins and one draw in Test cricket.
Bad light interrupted play during the first three days of this fixture. This match marks the start of a South African summer schedule that includes two more games against Australia, two against Bangladesh, and three against England over Christmas.
Only twice in the last 13 years has a team survived 140 overs to save a Test match.
