South Africa Beat Australia by 176 Runs to Win Cape Town Test and Take Series 2-1

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South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, October 31, 2026, to win the three-match series 2-1. Off-spinner Simon Harmer took a career-best 6-16 in the second innings, and Kagiso Rabada became the fastest bowler by deliveries to reach 350 Test wickets. Chasing 288, Australia were bowled out for 111 in the second session on the final day. The result took South Africa above Australia to the top of the Test world rankings for the first time since January 2016.

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Harmer and Rabada Dismantle the Australian Batting Lineup

Australia lost two wickets in the first over of the chase as Rabada struck with the new ball. Rabada removed the top three batters, leaving the visitors at 62-8. He dismissed opener Matt Renshaw for a duck, caught by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton down the leg side. Rabada then trapped Marnus Labuschagne leg before wicket for four in the same over, and Marco Jansen caught Travis Head at gully. First-innings centurion Josh Inglis was run out for four attempting a quick single.

Harmer took all six remaining wickets to finish with 6-16 from 21.1 overs. The off-spinner finished the match with 10 wickets for 120 runs, his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. Rabada returned 3-39 in the second innings. The pace bowler reached 350 wickets in 13,808 deliveries, passing South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, who required 14,719 deliveries, and Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis, who needed 14,905. Full match details are available from Times of India.

Ninth-Wicket Stand Prevents a Sub-100 Total

Nathan Lyon top-scored for Australia, finishing unbeaten on 33. Captain Pat Cummins scored 11 off 90 balls, and the pair added 45 runs for the ninth wicket, the highest partnership of the innings. The stand lasted 17.2 overs before Harmer dismissed Cummins leg before wicket and bowled Josh Hazlewood to seal victory. The partnership prevented Australia from being bowled out for fewer than 100 runs in consecutive Tests, something that last happened during the 1936-37 Ashes. Cameron Green was the only batter among the top eight to face at least 30 deliveries, scoring 27 off 110 balls.

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Series Progression Across Three Venues

The Proteas overturned a 1-0 deficit in the first Test series between the teams in South Africa since 2018. Australia won the opening match in Durban by 214 runs. South Africa won the second match in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs before completing the turnaround in Cape Town.

Test Match Venue Result
First Test Durban Australia won by 214 runs
Second Test Gqeberha South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs
Third Test Cape Town South Africa won by 176 runs

World Test Championship Context

The defeat raises questions about the Australian batting order and the decision to bowl on the first morning, which left the team chasing a fourth-innings target on a wearing pitch. The victory keeps South Africa in contention to defend their World Test Championship title. South Africa defeated Australia in the previous WTC final at Lord’s in 2025. The International Cricket Council tracks updates on international standings and tournament structures.