Harmer’s Ten-Wicket Haul Seals Cape Town Test as South Africa Climb to No. 1

South Africa wrapped up a 2-1 Test series win over Australia at Newlands on Saturday, bowling the visitors out for 111 before tea on the final day to win the decider by 176 runs.

Chasing 288, Australia's batting folded against off-spinner Simon Harmer, who took 6 for 16 in the second innings to finish with match figures of 10 for 120, his first ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. Kagiso Rabada chipped in with 3 for 39.

The result lifted South Africa to the top of the ICC Test rankings and handed Australia a first series defeat since early 2023, as well as back-to-back Test losses for the first time in three and a half years.

How the decider turned

Australia had actually taken a 100-run first-innings lead after a century from Josh Inglis, but hundreds from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder on day four swung the match decisively. The series had already turned in Gqeberha, where South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs after dismissing Australia for just 99.

Source: Associated Press