South Africa wins Test series against Australia in Cape Town
Sunday 1 November 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story Proteas
South Africa clinched a 2-1 series victory after defeating Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands. Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack on the final day. Following the result, New Zealand moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings.
Key facts
6 facts
- South Africa won the three-match series 2-1
- The third Test was held at Newlands in Cape Town
- Australia was bowled out for 111 in their fourth innings
- Simon Harmer took 6-16 in 21.1 overs
- Kagiso Rabada reached 350 Test wickets in 13,808 deliveries
- New Zealand moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Australia was bowled out for 111 on the fifth day after being set a target of 288 to win.
Kagiso Rabada took 3-39 and became the fastest player by balls bowled to reach 350 Test wickets. Simon Harmer recorded a career-best 6-16 in 21.1 overs, including a first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket with match figures of 10-120.
The victory saw South Africa overtake Australia to become the top-ranked Test nation for the first time since January 2016. Following the series result, New Zealand moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings with 72.22% of points, while Australia fell to third with 69.23%.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said, "We were outplayed for the last couple of Tests". He also noted, "We came here thinking we were good enough to win but we couldn't do it".
How it developed
- Sun 1 Nov, 8:20amKagiso Rabada became the fastest player by balls bowled to reach 350 Test wickets, surpassing Dale Steyn and Waqar Younis.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, RNZ and The Post.