Pacers power Proteas to series-levelling win over Australia
South Africa's bowling attack was relentless in the push for a result on Day 5 as South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs.
Travis Head’s defiant century provided stirring resistance, but South Africa's relentless bowling attack dismantled Australia’s lower order on a blockbuster Day 5 to secure a comprehensive win by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test.
The win in Gqeberha levels the three-match ICC World Test Championship series 1-1, setting up an exciting conclusion to the WTC series.
After early weather interruptions disrupted the opening two days of the fixture, South Africa seized total control through skipper Temba Bavuma’s monumental 179 and a record-breaking 183-run eighth-wicket partnership with Simon Harmer (82) that propelled the hosts to a formidable 425/9 declared.
Marco Jansen’s devastating spell of 5/33 then skittled Australia for just 99 in their first innings, forcing the visitors to follow on.
South Africa then enforced the follow-on as Australia lost quick wickets before finishing the penultimate day at 156/4.
Resuming play on the final morning with an innings defeat looming, Australia pinned their hopes on Travis Head.
Head, who played with supreme authority against both pace and spin, went on to score a century, extending his overnight score to a magnificent 121 off 190 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries.
Accompanying him at the other end, Scott Boland also produced a characteristically gritty rear-guard action, occupying the crease for 166 balls for his 40 runs, but Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder maintained relentless pressure.
Rabada, who finished with superb figures of 4/77, broke through the resistance with searing pace and accuracy, while Mulder chipped in with 3/64.
Simon Harmer also wrapped up ends expertly with his off-spin, as South Africa eventually bowled Australia out for 295 in 107.1 overs.
The emphatic victory provides a significant boost to South Africa’s standing in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings.
Having entered the match sitting third behind leaders Australia and second-placed New Zealand, the Proteas added 12 crucial points to boost their points percentage (PCT) back up to 66.67%, solidifying their position in the top three and closing the gap on Australia, who maintain their lead at the top of the table despite their percentage slipping to 75.00%.
With the series now squared at 1-1, both sides head to Cape Town for a blockbuster series decider.
Series schedule
First Test: 9-13 October, Durban (Australia won by 214 runs)
Second Test: 18-22 October, Gqeberha
Third Test: 27-31 October, Cape Town