Durban, October 13,2026: Right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood claimed six wickets in the second innings as Australia successfully defended a massive 421-run target to beat South Africa by 214 runs on the final day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Tuesday.
South Africa resumed their chase at 102 for four, with opener Aiden Markram and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder at the crease. The pair negotiated Australia’s bowling attack for the first 110 minutes of the day before captain Pat Cummins made a double bowling change to break their partnership.
Hazlewood provided the breakthrough in the 67th over, dismissing Mulder for 29 with a catch behind the wicket. Australia struck again in the following over when Matt Renshaw removed wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne for just one run, leaving the hosts struggling at 156 for six.
Markram was then joined by bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen, and the duo resisted for more than 17 overs to put together a fighting 45-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
However, Australia tightened their grip after taking the second new ball, claiming South Africa’s remaining four wickets for just five runs in 16 deliveries to seal a comprehensive victory.
Markram top-scored for South Africa in the second innings with a determined 75 off 237 balls, including 10 boundaries, while Jansen contributed 35 off 54 deliveries.
Hazlewood led Australia’s bowling attack with six wickets for 49 runs in 16.5 overs. Renshaw claimed two wickets, while Mitchell Starc took the crucial wicket of Markram.
Renshaw was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution. He scored a magnificent 190 in Australia’s first innings, followed it with a brisk 82 in the second innings and also claimed two wickets.
The defeat also ended Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten record as South Africa captain, handing him his first loss in his 13th match in charge.
