South Africa produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Australia by an innings and 34 runs in the second Test at Gqeberha, setting up a series decider at Newlands in Cape Town. After struggling at 97 for 5 on the second day, the hosts dominated with both bat and ball to register a memorable victory.
Temba Bavuma led South Africa’s recovery with a career-best 179, while Marco Jansen contributed 85 and Simon Harmer added 82 as the hosts declared at 425 for 9. Scott Boland was Australia’s standout bowler, claiming five wickets for 81 runs, but South Africa’s lower order helped build a commanding first-innings lead.
Australia’s first innings ended in just 99 runs, with Jansen taking five wickets for 33 runs. The visitors were forced to follow on, putting them under immense pressure to bat out the remainder of the match. It was only the third time since 1988 that Australia had been asked to follow on in a Test.
Australia showed greater resistance in their second innings, with Travis Head scoring a fighting 121. His century, reached from 151 balls, briefly gave the visitors hope, but South Africa continued to find crucial breakthroughs. Head was eventually dismissed by Wiaan Mulder, who cramped him for room and forced him to play the ball onto his stumps.
Mulder played a decisive role on the final day, finishing with three wickets for 64 runs. He also removed Boland after the nightwatcher had faced 166 balls, before dismissing Pat Cummins to further expose Australia’s lower order.
Kagiso Rabada also made a major impact, taking four wickets for 77 runs. He ended Steven Smith’s stay at the crease when the Australian batter top-edged a pull shot, which was caught by Matthew Breetzke at midwicket. Smith had moved down to No. 7 after suffering neck problems earlier in the match.
Boland, who had also taken five wickets in South Africa’s first innings, frustrated the hosts with his determined resistance alongside Head. However, Mulder finally broke through his defence, and Jansen delivered the finishing blow by dismissing Josh Hazlewood to bowl Australia out for 295.
The victory was especially significant for South Africa after their defeat in Durban. Despite missing the injured Anrich Nortje, their bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the match, with Jansen, Rabada and Mulder leading the charge.
South Africa’s all-round performance has levelled the series and ensured that the contest will be decided in Cape Town. Australia will need to respond strongly at Newlands, while the hosts will aim to carry their momentum into the final Test.
