Chasing a target of 288, Australia failed to produce a resilient batting display and collapsed for just 111 in their second innings. The visitors crumbled against the spin of Simon Harmer and the pace attack of Kagiso Rabada, handing South Africa a resounding 176-run victory. This dominant win secured the three-match Test series 2-1 for the Proteas, propelling them to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Beginning the run chase, Australia faced immediate trouble when Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the opening over.
- and Marnus Labuschagne dismissed
- Travis Head shortly after
- leaving Australia struggling at 22 for 3 and unable to recover as Josh Inglis (4), Alex Carey (2)
- and Cooper Connolly (0) fell rapidly
- leaving the touring side reeling at 42 for 6 in a deep batting crisis.
Spin bowler Simon Harmer then unleashed a devastating spell that dismantled the remaining batting order.
- and Cameron Green
- attempted resistance before falling, while a late 45-run ninth-wicket partnership between captain Pat Cummins (11 off 90 balls)
- and Nathan Lyon (33 not out)
- only slightly reduced the deficit as Australia were bowled out in 57.1 overs.
Match Statistics and Details
- South Africa Scores: 329/10 & 387/10
- Australia Scores: 429/10 & 111/10 in 57.1 overs (Lyon 33*, Green 27, Head 14, Cummins 11; Harmer 6/16, Rabada 3/39)
- Match Result: South Africa won by 176 runs
- Man of the Match: Simon Harmer
- Series Player: Marco Jansen
