Simon Harmer’s 6-16 helps South Africa beat Australia, win 2-1

Simon Harmer returned career-best figures of 6-16 in 21.1 overs as South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, and took the three-match series 2-1. Australia were bowled out for 111 on the final day.

Australia had been set a target of 288 and collapsed against Harmer’s spin. Kagiso Rabada, who took 3-39 in the match, broke the top order early with two wickets in the first over.

How the Test unfolded

South Africa made 329 in the first innings, and Australia replied with 429 to take a 100-run lead. South Africa then made 387 in their second innings, which left Australia chasing on the last day.

The chase never got going. Rabada’s two wickets in the first over put Australia on the back foot, and Harmer ran through the rest as they fell well short.

What it means

Australia won the first Test by 214 runs, and South Africa levelled with an innings-and-31-run win in the second before taking the decider. The ICC says the result lifts South Africa above Australia as the No.1 side in the men’s Test rankings.

Australia slipped to second in the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 standings, behind New Zealand. David Warner called Australia’s batting deplorable after the defeat, ABC reports.

What’s next

South Africa play the first Test against Bangladesh on Sunday, 15 November, at 1:00 PM IST. Australia’s next assignment is the first ODI against England on Friday, 13 November, at 9:00 AM IST.