Hazlewood takes career-best 6-49 as Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in Durban first Test

Australia took a 1-0 lead in their three-Test series in South Africa on Tuesday, 13 October, bowling the hosts out for 206 on the final day at Kingsmead in Durban to win by 214 runs. Josh Hazlewood finished with a career-best 6-49 in the second innings, while opener Matt Renshaw, who scored 190 and 82, was named player of the match. It was the first Test between the sides since South Africa beat Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's.

How the match unfolded

Australia were in trouble at 124-6 on the opening day before Renshaw's patient 190 lifted them to 390. South Africa replied with 284, giving the visitors a first-innings lead of 106. Australia then pushed on quickly in their second innings, with Renshaw adding a brisk 82 before they declared on 314-6.

That left South Africa needing 421 to win. With more than a day to bat, the realistic aim for the Proteas was to bat out time and save the match.

Markram resists, Hazlewood breaks through

Aiden Markram led the resistance with 75 from 237 balls, batting for almost six hours. He and Wiaan Mulder, who made 29, added 69 for the fifth wicket and briefly raised hopes of a draw. South Africa reached lunch on day five at 166-6.

Hazlewood, now 35, had taken two wickets on day four and struck twice in one over with the new ball on the final morning. After lunch he removed Marco Jansen for 35 and finished the match by dismissing Anrich Nortje, ending with eight wickets in the game. Markram was eventually given out caught behind off Mitchell Starc after a TV review, and South Africa added only 40 runs after lunch before they were all out.

Alex Carey played his part behind the stumps with a diving catch to remove Mulder, while Renshaw also chipped in with his part-time spin, dismissing captain Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne.

Renshaw's dream match

For Renshaw, the Test was a turning point. His 190 came off 397 balls and rescued Australia from a shaky start, and his 82 off 99 balls set up the declaration. His 272 runs in the match were the clearest difference between the two sides.

There was also a scare for Australia on day four when Steve Smith was struck on the head while batting. He went through Cricket Australia's concussion assessments and was cleared to take the field on the final day.

What comes next

The series moves to St George's Park in Gqeberha for the second Test from 18 to 22 October. The third and final Test is at Newlands in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October.

South Africa will need to level the series in Gqeberha to keep alive their hopes of winning it. Their pace attack, which reduced Australia to 124-6 on day one, showed it can trouble the visitors, but the batting order will be under scrutiny after twice failing to match Australia's totals. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada missed the first Test, with Nortje recalled in his place.

For fans in Malaysia, Test cricket in South Africa typically starts in the afternoon Malaysia time, as South Africa is six hours behind.

Key takeaways

• Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs at Kingsmead on 13 October to lead the three-Test series 1-0.
• Josh Hazlewood took a career-best 6-49 and eight wickets in the match.
• Matt Renshaw scored 190 and 82 and was named player of the match.
• Aiden Markram's 75 in almost six hours was South Africa's main resistance.
• The second Test is at St George's Park, Gqeberha, from 18 to 22 October.

FAQ

What was the final result of the first Test between South Africa and Australia? Australia won by 214 runs. Australia made 390 and 314-6 declared; South Africa replied with 284 and 206.

Who was player of the match in Durban? Matt Renshaw, who scored 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second.

When and where is the second Test? It is at St George's Park in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October 2026, followed by the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, from 27 to 31 October.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Yahoo Sports, The Express Tribune, The Sports Encounter