GQEBERHA, Oct 22: South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test, securing a series decider in Cape Town after overcoming their heavy defeat in the opening match.
Australia, who won the first Test by 214 runs, were dismissed for 295 in their second innings on the final day, despite a determined century from Travis Head. The left-hander scored 121, while Scott Boland battled for 40 off 166 deliveries in an effort to save the match.
Rain washed out the opening session, raising hopes of an Australian escape, but South Africa claimed the remaining six wickets in the final session to seal an emphatic victory.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada led the attack with four wickets for 77 runs, while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder claimed three for 64. Mulder made crucial breakthroughs by dismissing Head, Boland and Australia captain Pat Cummins. Marco Jansen took the final wicket after his five-wicket haul on the fourth day had put the hosts firmly in control.
South Africa’s victory was all the more impressive given their struggles earlier in the match. They had slumped to 40-4 and then 110-6 in their first innings before captain Temba Bavuma’s magnificent 179 and Jansen’s 85 lifted them to 425-9 declared.Australia had been bowled out for just 99 in their first innings, leaving them facing an uphill battle to stay in the contest.The result represents a significant recovery for the Proteas, who appeared to be in danger of losing the series after the opening Test in Durban. Instead, their batting resilience and disciplined bowling have transformed the contest.
South Africa will now carry the momentum into the third and deciding Test, which begins in Cape Town on Tuesday, with both teams seeking to claim the series. (AP)