South Africa vs Australia ended with a 2-1 series victory for the Proteas after they defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, on October 31, 2026. The victory completed a remarkable comeback after South Africa lost the opening match.
Spinner Simon Harmer delivered a match-winning performance, taking six wickets for just 16 runs in Australia’s second innings. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada reached a major milestone by claiming his 350th Test wicket.
As a result, South Africa moved above Australia in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.
South Africa vs Australia: Harmer leads the bowling attack
Australia needed 288 runs to win the final Test. However, their chase quickly collapsed after Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the opening over.
First, Rabada dismissed Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne. He then removed Travis Head, putting Australia under immediate pressure.
Simon Harmer took advantage of the situation. The off-spinner claimed six wickets for just 16 runs as Australia’s batting lineup struggled to respond.
Eventually, Australia were bowled out for 111 in 57.1 overs. Harmer finished the match with 10 wickets for 120 runs. Consequently, he received the Player of the Match award.
Kagiso Rabada reaches 350 Test wickets
The South Africa vs Australia series also delivered an important milestone for Kagiso Rabada.
The fast bowler reached 350 Test wickets after dismissing Travis Head. Notably, he achieved the milestone in just 13,808 deliveries, becoming the fastest bowler by balls bowled to reach the mark.
Furthermore, Rabada finished Australia’s second innings with three wickets for 39 runs. His early breakthroughs helped South Africa take control of the final Test.
South Africa completes a remarkable series comeback
South Africa lost the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. Nevertheless, the team responded strongly in the remaining matches.
The Proteas first bounced back with an innings and 31-run victory in the second Test at Gqeberha. They then carried that momentum into Cape Town and secured another convincing win.
Here is how the three-match series finished:
- First Test: Australia won by 214 runs.
- Second Test: South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs.
- Third Test: South Africa won by 176 runs.
Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder played important roles in the final match. Their centuries helped South Africa recover and set Australia a target of 288 runs.
South Africa moves above Australia in ICC rankings
The series victory helped South Africa overtake Australia at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.
This marked the country’s first time at No. 1 since January 2016. Moreover, the result strengthened the Proteas’ position in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
South Africa will now aim to maintain its form in the remaining championship fixtures.
Overall, the South Africa vs Australia series highlighted the contributions of Harmer and Rabada. Their performances proved decisive in the final Test and helped the Proteas secure an important international victory.
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