Newlands, October 31,2026: South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test at Newlands on Saturday to clinch the three-match series 2-1, with spinner Simon Harmer claiming a career-best 6-16 and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada reaching the milestone of 350 Test wickets.
Chasing a target of 288, Australia were bowled out for just 111, allowing South Africa to move above Australia and claim the top position in the Test world rankings for the first time since January 2016.
Australia’s hopes of completing the chase suffered an immediate setback on the final morning as they lost two wickets in the opening over. The visitors subsequently slumped to 62-8 before their resistance finally ended before tea.
Rabada spearheaded the attack, removing Australia’s top three batters to reach 350 Test wickets in just 13,808 deliveries, becoming the fastest bowler by balls bowled to achieve the milestone. He surpassed compatriot Dale Steyn, who reached the mark in 14,719 deliveries, and Pakistan’s Waqar Younis, who took 14,905.
Rabada dismissed opener Matt Renshaw for a duck, with wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton taking the catch down the leg side, before trapping Marnus Labuschagne lbw for four. He then removed Travis Head, who was caught by Marco Jansen at gully.
Harmer subsequently took control, exploiting the conditions to claim the remaining six wickets and complete his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing the match with figures of 10-120.
Australia’s first-innings centurion Josh Inglis was run out for four while attempting a quick single, further worsening the visitors’ position.
Captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon offered some resistance through a ninth-wicket partnership lasting 17.2 overs. Lyon remained unbeaten on 33, while Cummins scored 11 from 90 deliveries before Harmer trapped him lbw and then bowled Josh Hazlewood to seal the victory.
Reflecting on the defeat, Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted that his side had failed to capitalise on opportunities.
He said the conditions offered scoring opportunities once batters settled at the crease, but Australia had lost control of the match within the first hour of the final day’s play.
Cummins acknowledged that winning against strong opponents away from home was challenging, adding that Australia had arrived confident of securing victory but had failed to deliver.
Harmer said his success came from maintaining consistent lines and lengths, adjusting his pace and trajectories and making effective use of the conditions.
He described the final day’s atmosphere, with fielders positioned around the bat and the team pushing for victory, as a dream moment for a spinner.
The victory also strengthened South Africa’s hopes of defending their World Test Championship title next year. The Proteas had beaten Australia in the previous final at Lord’s in 2025.
