Australia clinched a decisive 214-run victory against South Africa on the final day of the first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Spearheading the bowling attack, 35-year-old Josh Hazlewood dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup with a match-winning performance of 6-49, ensuring Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
South Africa resumed the final day at 102-4, with Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder anchoring the resistance. The pair managed to frustrate the tourists for 110 minutes, extending their partnership to 69 runs before Hazlewood made the crucial breakthrough. Mulder, who scored 29, edged a legside delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Shortly after, part-time spinner Matt Renshaw contributed by dismissing Kyle Verreynne for a duck, with Steve Smith taking the catch at slip. The hosts’ resistance ended before tea on Tuesday as they were dismissed for 206. And the pair extended the fifth-wicket partnership to a patient 69 runs off 205 balls before Hazlewood’s breakthrough, with Mulder making 29, mulder and Aiden Markram resumed at 102-4 overnight.
Despite reaching 166-6 by lunch, South Africa’s order collapsed quickly once the new ball was introduced. Hazlewood bowled Marco Jansen for 35 and claimed the wicket of Simon Harmer just three balls later. Markram’s disciplined innings of 75 off 237 balls finally ended when he was caught behind off Mitch Starc, a decision confirmed following a television review. Hazlewood ultimately secured the win by dismissing Anrich Nortje, who was caught by Nathan Lyon. But crumbled quickly thereafter, south Africa were 166-6 at lunch and added 25 runs before the new ball was taken.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Australia in their first meeting with South Africa since the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s. The result also comes after a health scare for Steve Smith, who missed the latter part of Monday’s play after sustaining a blow to the head while batting. He struck twice in one over with the new ball after already having taken two wickets on Monday and then breaking through South Africa’s stoic early fightback.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith underwent intensive clinical assessments over the past 24 hours. Adhering to strict concussion protocols, he was cleared by medical staff to resume his place on the field for the final day of the Durban clash.
