South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. The hosts secured victory in the final session despite the threat of bad weather disrupting play.
South Africa’s pace attack, led by Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, took the final four Australian wickets to complete an impressive turnaround after the visitors had dominated the opening Test.
Temba Bavuma’s Brilliant Century Turns the Match Around
South Africa’s victory looked unlikely after rain washed out most of the first two days. The hosts also struggled early in their first innings, reaching 110-6 when play resumed on the third morning.
However, captain Temba Bavuma led a remarkable recovery with a brilliant 179-run innings. His performance helped South Africa declare at 425-9, giving the team a strong position in the match.
The home side’s bowlers then dismantled Australia’s batting line-up, dismissing the visitors for just 99 in their first innings and forcing them to follow on.
Travis Head Scores a Century in Australia’s Second Innings
Australia showed greater resistance in their second innings, with Travis Head producing an impressive century to keep the visitors in contention.
Head resumed on 87 not out alongside nightwatchman Scott Boland, with Australia at 156-4 after rain had interrupted the previous day’s play.
The left-handed batter went on to score 121, registering his 13th Test century and only his second outside Australia. His innings ended when he chopped a rising delivery from Mulder onto his stumps.
Despite Head’s contribution, Australia struggled to recover from the damage caused by South Africa’s dominant first innings.
Mulder, Rabada and Jansen Seal the Victory
South Africa’s fast bowlers finished the job as Australia’s resistance collapsed in the final session.
Mulder delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Head before bowling Boland and Australia captain Pat Cummins in successive overs. Boland scored a Test career-best 40, facing 166 balls in a determined effort to delay the inevitable.
Rabada then removed Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. Smith, who had struggled with a neck problem earlier in the match, scored just three runs before edging a delivery to Matthew Breetzke at midwicket.
Jansen completed the innings by dismissing Josh Hazlewood, who edged the first ball he faced to the slips. Australia were bowled out for 295, handing South Africa an innings victory.
Rabada Makes an Impact on His Return
Rabada made an important contribution on his return following a lengthy injury layoff. He finished with figures of 4-77 in Australia’s second innings, while Mulder claimed 3-64.
Mulder’s ability to remove Head, Boland and Cummins proved particularly decisive, while Jansen provided the finishing touch as South Africa secured victory before the weather could intervene again.
Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 37 for Australia, but his effort could not prevent the visitors from suffering a heavy defeat.
South Africa and Australia Set Up Decisive Final Test
The result levels the three-match Test series at 1-1 after Australia won the opening match. South Africa’s comeback has set up a decisive contest in the final Test.
The third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday. Both teams will now look to secure the series, with South Africa carrying the momentum after their dominant performance in Gqeberha.