South Africa boss Australia to win Test series, reclaim No.1 ranking after 10 years

SA vs AUS, 3rd Test: South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third Test in Cape Town to clinch the series 2-1 and reclaim the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since January 2016.South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in Cape Town. Courtesy: AFPNew Delhi,Oct 31, 2026 19:08 ISTBrief Scores: South Africa (329 and 387) beat Australia (429 and 111) by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town.Highlights | Scorecard South Africa produced a sensational performance in Cape Town to defeat Australia by 176 runs in the third and deciding Test, clinching the series 2-1 and reclaiming the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in over a decade. At Newlands, the Proteas completed a remarkable turnaround after Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer helped the hosts bowl out Australia for 111 in their pursuit of 288 on the fifth day to seal a memorable victory.It was a particularly sweet triumph for South Africa, who last occupied the top position in the Test rankings in January 2016. Ten years later, they have returned to the summit by overcoming the visitors in a fiercely contested series. For Australia, meanwhile, Cape Town once again became a venue of painful memories, although this time the damage was inflicted on the field rather than through the controversy that engulfed their 2018 tour. The memories of the infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal, which unfolded at Newlands in March 2018, had followed Australia back to Cape Town. Eight years later, the same venue witnessed another difficult chapter in their cricketing history as South Africa outplayed them when it mattered most.After Australia had taken the first Test, South Africa responded emphatically in the second before delivering the decisive blow in the series finale. Having conceded a first-innings lead, the hosts fought back through outstanding contributions from their batters to set Australia a challenging target of 288.RABADA BREAKS AUSTRALIA’S BACKBONE EARLY Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets in the second innings. Courtesy: AFP The foundation for the victory was laid by Kagiso Rabada, who ripped through Australia's top order with a devastating opening spell. The right-arm pacer finished with figures of 14-4-39-3, delivering three crucial blows that left the visitors reeling in the run-chase.Rabada struck in the very first over, removing Matt Renshaw for a duck before trapping Marnus Labuschagne lbw just three deliveries later. Australia were suddenly 5 for 2, with the pressure mounting on their middle order. The South African speedster was not done yet, dismissing Travis Head for 14 to leave the visitors struggling at 22 for 3.It was a ruthless display of fast bowling from Rabada, who combined pace, movement and accuracy to expose Australia's vulnerability against the new ball. His dismissal of Head was particularly significant, as the left-hander had the ability to turn the chase around with an aggressive counterattack.Rabada's strikes also brought up a significant personal milestone, as he became the latest South African bowler to reach 350 Test wickets. He had given his team the perfect platform, but the job was far from finished.HARMER SPINS A WEB AROUND AUSTRALIA Simon Harmer rattled Australia with a six-wicket haul in Cape Town. Courtesy: AFP If Rabada broke Australia's backbone, Simon Harmer ensured there would be no escape. The off-spinner produced a remarkable spell of 21.1-14-16-6, exploiting the turn and uneven bounce at Newlands to dismantle the Australian middle and lower order.Harmer's spell was among the finest by a South African spinner against Australia. His six-wicket haul was the best by a Proteas spinner against the visitors since Hugh Tayfield's 7 for 81 in Melbourne in 1952.The spinner first removed Alex Carey and Cooper Connolly in quick succession before accounting for Mitchell Starc. Cameron Green, who had offered some resistance, eventually fell for 27 after struggling to negotiate Harmer's accuracy and turn. Harmer then returned to dismiss Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, completing a memorable performance.Australia, who had started the day believing they could pull off a challenging chase, were reduced to 60 for 7 by lunch. The collapse left them with an enormous task, and Harmer's relentless accuracy ensured the target remained out of reach.There was, however, some resistance from the Australian tail. Cummins and Nathan Lyon put together a determined rearguard effort, refusing to surrender without a fight. Cummins, in particular, displayed remarkable patience, facing 40 balls before getting off the mark. He eventually scored 11 off 90 deliveries, while Lyon top-scored with 33.Their partnership frustrated South Africa for a considerable period, but Harmer eventually found a way through Cummins' defence, trapping the Australian captain lbw. Hazlewood's dismissal soon afterwards brought the contest to an end.- Ends