South Africa Beat Australia by 176 Runs at Newlands to Win the Series 2-1

Reviewed by Shihaam Isaacs
South Africa sports betting writer
Published 1 November 2026

South Africa bowled Australia out for 111 at Newlands on Saturday to win the third Test by 176 runs, take the series 2-1 and go top of the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.

Simon Harmer took 6 for 16 in the fourth innings and finished with 10 for 120 in the match for the Proteas. Kagiso Rabada took 3 for 39 and reached 350 Test wickets when he dismissed Travis Head. Nathan Lyon finished 33 not out, Australia’s top score in the chase.

How the Test turned

South Africa made 329 in the first innings and Australia replied with 429. Mitchell Starc took 6 for 72, and Marques Ackerman made 95 with Aiden Markram on 78. South Africa then made 387 second time round, with 115 from Wiaan Mulder and 101 from Ryan Rickelton, and set Australia 288 to win.

The series and the rankings

Australia won the first Test in Durban and South Africa won the second in Gqeberha. The third Test finished on its fifth day, 31 October 2026.

The result moved South Africa above Australia at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings.