Gqeberha, Port Elizbeth, October 22,2026: South Africa produced a stunning comeback to defeat Australia by an innings and 34 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday, setting up a series decider in Cape Town.
Wiaan Mulder played a decisive role on the final day, dismissing centurion Travis Head and nightwatcher Scott Boland before South Africa’s bowlers wrapped up the match to complete an emphatic victory.
Australia, who were bowled out for just 99 in their first innings, managed 295 in their second attempt after being forced to follow on, leaving South Africa with a commanding win.
The visitors had resumed their second innings hoping to mount a remarkable recovery, but South Africa maintained pressure through disciplined bowling. Head top-scored with 121, while Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets for 77 runs and Mulder took three for 64.
South Africa had earlier declared their first innings at 425 for nine, powered by captain Temba Bavuma’s career-best 179. Marco Jansen contributed 85, while Simon Harmer scored 82 to help the hosts recover from a precarious position of 97 for five at the close of the second day.
Boland, who claimed five wickets for 81 runs in South Africa’s first innings, had earlier helped dismantle the hosts’ top order. Jansen then led South Africa’s response with the ball, taking five wickets for 33 runs as Australia were dismissed for 99.
The Australian batters showed greater resistance in their second innings, particularly Head, who reached his century from 151 balls. It was his second Test hundred overseas and his first against South Africa.
However, Mulder ended Head’s innings by forcing him to play the ball onto his stumps, breaking a partnership that had kept Australia’s hopes alive.
Steve Smith, batting at No. 7 after suffering neck discomfort on the previous day, also failed to make a significant contribution. Rabada dismissed him with a top-edged pull, caught by Matthew Breetzke at midwicket.
Boland offered stubborn resistance alongside Head, surviving 166 balls and helping frustrate the South African attack. His innings ended when Mulder found a gap between bat and pad to bowl him, before dismissing Pat Cummins in the same spell.
Rabada then removed Mitchell Starc, while Jansen delivered the decisive blow by dismissing Josh Hazlewood to seal the victory with more than 28 overs remaining.
South Africa had been forced to cope without injured fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who suffered a groin injury during the match. Mulder stepped up with his accurate seam bowling, proving instrumental in dismantling Australia’s resistance.
The result marked a powerful response by South Africa following their defeat in Durban and levelled the series, setting the stage for a decisive final Test at Newlands in Cape Town.
