South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs at Newlands to win series 2-1 and go top of Test rankings
Simon Harmer took 6-16 as Australia were bowled out for 111 chasing 288 in Cape Town, giving South Africa a 2-1 series win and the No. 1 Test ranking.
South Africa have won the Test series against Australia. On the fifth day at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday 31 October, Australia were bowled out for 111 chasing 288, and South Africa won by 176 runs. Off-spinner Simon Harmer took 6-16. Temba Bavuma's side won the three-match series 2-1 after losing the first Test, and they replace Australia at the top of the ICC men's Test rankings for the first time since January 2016.
How the decider unfolded
Australia were on top after the first innings. They made 429 in reply to South Africa's 329, with Josh Inglis scoring a century, and led by 100 runs.
South Africa's second innings changed the match. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder both scored hundreds and put on 154 for the sixth wicket. South Africa reached 387, leaving Australia to score 288 for victory.
The chase fell apart quickly. Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in the first over, and Australia were 42-6 at one stage. Harmer bowled 21.1 overs, 14 of them maidens, to finish with 6-16. Nathan Lyon top-scored with 33 not out, Cameron Green made 27, and Inglis was run out for 4. The match ended shortly before tea.
Harmer and Rabada make history
Harmer, 37, was named player of the match. His 10-120 across the game is his first ten-wicket haul in Tests.
Rabada finished with 3-39 and passed 350 Test wickets. He got there in 13,808 balls, the fewest by any bowler to reach that mark. Against Australia he now has 68 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 21.88.
Marco Jansen was player of the series with 198 runs and 13 wickets.
A comeback series
Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, which is the only Test South Africa have lost under Bavuma. The Proteas levelled with a win by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, where Bavuma made a Test-best 179, even though two days were lost to rain. Coming from behind to win at Newlands gives them a strong position as World Test Championship holders, after they beat Australia in the 2025 final at Lord's.
For Pat Cummins' Australia, the result means they lose the No. 1 Test ranking. A collapse for 111 on a fifth-day pitch at Newlands will raise questions about the batting order.
What Malaysian fans should know
The final day's play in Cape Town ran through Saturday afternoon South African time, which is six hours behind Malaysia, so the last wickets fell on Saturday evening in Malaysia. The result is a major shift at the top of Test cricket: Australia had led the rankings, and South Africa, already the World Test Championship holders, now hold the top spot as well.
Key takeaways
- South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in Cape Town to win the series 2-1.
- Australia were bowled out for 111 chasing 288.
- Simon Harmer took 6-16, and 10-120 in the match, his first Test ten-wicket haul.
- Kagiso Rabada reached 350 Test wickets in the fewest balls on record.
- South Africa are No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since January 2016.
FAQ
What were the scores in the third Test? South Africa 329 and 387; Australia 429 and 111. South Africa won by 176 runs.
Who was player of the series? Marco Jansen, who scored 198 runs and took 13 wickets.
What record did Kagiso Rabada set? He reached 350 Test wickets in 13,808 balls, the fastest anyone has got there by deliveries bowled.
Sources: Sky Sports, ABC News, Associated Press via WRAL, ESPNcricinfo, Outlook India