The victory was secured on the fifth and final day of the match at St George’s Park, where South Africa’s bowlers delivered a decisive performance despite rain during the first session and fast bowler Nortje being forced out of the match due to injury.
Australia had been asked to follow on after their first innings ended at 99 runs on the fourth day. Resuming their second innings on 156 for four on the final day, the Australian side fought back through determined performances from Travis Head and Scott Boland. However, their resistance was not enough to prevent defeat.
Head was dismissed for 121 after scoring his 13th Test century. He faced 190 balls and struck 12 boundaries in an innings that offered Australia hope of extending the contest. However, captain Pat Cummins, Smith and the other Australian batters failed to withstand South Africa’s bowling attack.
🚨 2ND TEST SA 🇿🇦 VS AUS 🇦🇺 🚨 • SA 🇿🇦 (1st Inn) 425-9d (127.1) • AUS 🇦🇺 (1st Inn) 99-10 (42.3) • AUS 🇦🇺 (2nd Inn) 295-10 (107.1) SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 WON BY AN INNINGS & 31 RUNS #SAvAUS #SAFvAUS https://t.co/gfvwkfcckL
— Cricket Lover 🏏 (@Crick97924Lover) October 22, 2026
Australia’s second innings eventually ended at 295, handing South Africa victory by an innings and 31 runs. Kagiso Rabada led the South African bowling effort with four wickets, while Wiaan Mulder claimed three.
The result has set up a decisive third Test between the two teams in Cape Town, beginning on Tuesday, with the series now level at 1-1.
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🚨 THIS COULD GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE GREATEST COMEBACKS IN TEST CRICKET HISTORY! 🤯🇿🇦 South Africa were struggling at 110/6 on Day 2. What followed was an extraordinary turnaround! 🔥 💥 Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer led the fightback as South Africa posted a massive 425/9 declared. ☠️ Australia were then blown away for just 99 runs in their first innings by a relentless South African attack! 🫡 Bavuma enforced the follow-on, and the Proteas struck again, reducing Australia to 156/4 by the end of Day 4. 💯 Travis Head fought valiantly with a brilliant 125, supported by a determined partnership with nightwatchman Scott Boland. 🔥 But Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder eventually finished the job, bowling Australia out for 295. 🏆 SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 31 RUNS! 👑 Temba Bavuma was deservedly named Player of the Match for his magnificent marathon knock of 179. From 110/6 to an innings victory! This is what Test cricket is all about resilience, belief and relentless fighting spirit! 🇿🇦❤️🔥 https://t.co/OFSZGAmswU
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) October 22, 2026
South Africa’s victory was built on a strong first-innings recovery. At one stage, the hosts were struggling at 110 for six, but Bavuma produced a commanding knock of 179 runs to rescue the innings. He received valuable support from half-centuries by Jansen and Harmer, helping South Africa reach 425 for nine.
The performance further highlighted Bavuma’s record as captain. Under his leadership, South Africa have won 12 of their 14 Test matches, a record that adds significance to the team’s comeback victory despite substantial weather interruptions.
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