South Africa secured a remarkable innings and 31 run victory over Australia in the second Test in Gqeberha on Thursday to level the three match series 1-1.
The hosts took six wickets on the final day to bowl Australia out for 295 in their second innings. The result sets up a series decider in Cape Town, starting on Tuesday.
Australia fought hard to save the match, with Travis Head scoring 121 and Scott Boland making 40 off 166 balls. Rain also helped the visitors as it washed out the entire first session.
However, South Africa kept their hopes alive with disciplined bowling and eventually broke Australia’s resistance in the final session.
Wiaan Mulder played a key role by removing Head, Boland and Australia captain Pat Cummins. His three wickets helped South Africa regain control when Australia looked capable of holding on for a draw.
Kagiso Rabada finished with four wickets for 77 runs, while Marco Jansen claimed the final wicket to complete the victory.
Jansen had already put South Africa in a strong position with five wickets for 33 runs on the fourth day.
Earlier, South Africa declared their first innings on 425 for nine, thanks largely to captain Temba Bavuma’s brilliant 179.
The hosts had struggled at 40 for four and later slipped to 110 for six. However, Bavuma led a remarkable recovery, while Jansen supported him with 85 runs.
Australia, who had won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, were bowled out for just 99 in their first innings.
The visitors faced a huge task after South Africa built a commanding lead. Head’s century and Boland’s long resistance gave them some hope, but the hosts eventually completed the job.
The victory marks another memorable Test success for South Africa against Australia. It also keeps the series alive after their heavy defeat in the opening match.
Both teams will now head to Cape Town for the third and final Test, with the series still up for grabs.
