- The Proteas have produced a remarkable turnaround after their heavy defeat in Durban, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown in Cape Town
- Australia suffered one of their most humiliating batting collapses in years as South Africa seized control in Gqeberha
- Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada helped deliver a result that puts the visitors under pressure heading into the final Test
Source: Getty Images
South Africa have levelled their Test series against Australia at 1-1 after crushing the visitors by an innings and 31 runs at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The emphatic victory came just days after Australia handed the Proteas a 214-run defeat in Durban, setting up a decisive third Test in Cape Town.
The scale of the turnaround was striking. South Africa recovered from 110/6 to declare on 425/9, before dismissing Australia for just 99 in their first innings. The 326-run deficit forced the visitors to follow on, leaving them fighting to save the match.
Temba Bavuma leads the Proteas revival
Captain Temba Bavuma produced a career-best 179 off 334 balls, holding the innings together after Australia’s bowlers threatened to take control. Marco Jansen added 85, while Simon Harmer contributed 82 as South Africa built a commanding lead.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bavuma described his performance as “definitely one of my better ones”, highlighting how important it was to turn a difficult position into a substantial total.
Bavuma was named the Player of the Match.
Jansen then dismantled Australia’s top order, claiming five wickets for 33 runs as the visitors collapsed to 99 all out.
Rabada and Mulder seal crushing victory
Australia fought back in their second innings with Travis Head’s 121, but Wiaan Mulder’s three wickets and Kagiso Rabada’s four for 77 ensured the resistance didn't last.
Nightwatchman Scott Boland made 40 from 166 balls before Mulder broke through his defence. Rabada then bowled Mitchell Starc, while Jansen dismissed Josh Hazlewood to complete the victory.
Newlands set for series decider
The result gives South Africa fresh momentum ahead of the third Test at Newlands, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 27 October. After being outplayed in Durban, the Proteas have responded with an innings victory that leaves the series finely balanced.
The final match will decide whether South Africa can finish the home series with a win over their fierce rivals.
Robert Marawa reacts to Temba Bavuma’s outstanding innings
Briefly News previously reported that veteran sports broadcaster Robert Marawa praised Temba Bavuma after the Proteas captain scored a career-best 179 against Australia at St George’s Park on 21 October 2026.
Bavuma’s crucial innings helped South Africa recover from 110/6 to post 425/9 declared, laying the foundation for their emphatic victory over Australia.
Source: Briefly News