Cape Town, October 31 : South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday to win the three-match series 2-1. Off-spinner Simon Harmer delivered a match-winning performance, taking 10 wickets, as Australia were bowled out for just 111 while chasing a target of 288 runs.
The victory also helped South Africa take the top position in the ICC Test team rankings, ending Australia’s stay at the summit.
Simon Harmer’s Career-Best Bowling Performance
The 37-year-old Simon Harmer produced an outstanding bowling performance in the decisive Test. He claimed career-best figures of 6-16 in Australia’s second innings and finished the match with figures of 10-120.
This was Harmer’s first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also became the first South African spinner to take 10 wickets in a Test match at Newlands.
Harmer was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance. His achievement was also the first 10-wicket haul by a South African spinner against Australia since 1952.
Australia Collapse During the Final Day
Australia began the fifth day needing 288 runs to win the Test. However, the visitors struggled against South Africa’s pace and spin attack.
Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer dismantled Australia’s batting line-up during the morning session. Rabada took three wickets for 14 runs in five overs, while Harmer claimed three wickets for just five runs in eight overs.
Matt Renshaw was dismissed for a golden duck, while Marnus Labuschagne scored only four runs. Travis Head also fell for 14, leaving Australia struggling at 22-3.
Josh Inglis was run out for four, while Alex Carey and Cooper Connolly were dismissed cheaply. Mitchell Starc also failed to score, leaving Australia at 42-6.
Australia reached lunch at 60-7, with Cameron Green and the lower order trying to resist the South African attack.
Kagiso Rabada Reaches 350 Test Wickets
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada achieved another major milestone during the match by completing 350 Test wickets.
He reached the landmark after dismissing Travis Head in the seventh over. Rabada became the fastest bowler to reach 350 Test wickets, moving ahead of fellow South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn.
His early breakthroughs played a crucial role in putting Australia under pressure on the final day.
Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon Offer Resistance
After lunch, Cameron Green and Pat Cummins attempted to rebuild Australia’s innings. Green scored 27 runs from 110 balls, while Cummins added 11.
However, Harmer eventually dismissed Green by bowling him with a delivery that turned sharply from outside the off stump.
Nathan Lyon provided some resistance with an unbeaten 33. He and Cummins added 45 runs for the ninth wicket, helping Australia cross the 100-run mark.
Harmer then removed Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in successive overs to complete South Africa’s victory.
Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton Set Up the Win
South Africa’s victory was built on strong batting performances in the second innings.
Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton scored centuries on the fourth day, helping South Africa post 387 runs in its second innings.
South Africa had scored 329 in the first innings, while Australia made 429 to secure a 100-run first-innings lead.
The strong second-innings performance gave South Africa a competitive target of 288 runs to defend on the final day.
South Africa Regains Top Spot in ICC Test Rankings
South Africa’s 2-1 series victory has pushed Australia out of the top position in the ICC Test team rankings.
It was also Australia’s first Test series defeat since March 2023.
Australia had won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. South Africa bounced back in the second Test at Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs before sealing the series in Cape Town.
The series was particularly significant as it was the first Test series between the two teams in South Africa since the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
Marco Jansen Named Player of the Series
South African all-rounder Marco Jansen was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances with both bat and ball.
He scored 198 runs and claimed 13 wickets across the three matches.
Jansen said the series was highly competitive and required players to adjust their strategies according to the conditions at different venues.
South Africa’s comeback victory has marked an important achievement for the team, while Simon Harmer’s outstanding bowling performance will remain one of the biggest highlights of the series.
