South Africa Level Test Series With Innings Win Over Australia

What changed

South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at Gqeberha, levelling the series after Australia’s 214-run win in Durban.

Temba Bavuma’s 179 helped South Africa declare on 425-9. Australia then collapsed for 99 in the first innings and 295 in the second, with Kagiso Rabada taking 4-77 and Marco Jansen claiming the final wicket.

Why it matters

This series has swung dramatically in four days. South Africa were 40-4 and later 110-6, yet Bavuma’s innings turned a precarious position into a commanding lead. The bowlers then finished the job, with Wiaan Mulder dismissing Travis Head, Scott Boland and Pat Cummins.

Head made 121, while Boland faced 166 deliveries for 40 as Australia tried to survive for a draw. Rain erased the first session, but South Africa still took the six wickets they needed before the light faded.

The result sends the teams to Cape Town for a decider beginning Tuesday. South Africa now have momentum; Australia have to recover from being dismissed twice after winning the opening Test by 214 runs.