Australia resistance broken by Rabada to set up series decider

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

Kagiso Rabada's four-wicket haul helped South Africa overcome weather disruptions and injury setbacks to secure a dominant innings and 31-run victory against Australia in the second Test, leveling the series 1-1. The win puts Australia under pressure to rethink their lineup ahead of the final Test in Cape Town, while South Africa must address pace bowling concerns with Anrich Nortje likely to remain sidelined.

Kagiso Rabada played a pivotal role in leading South Africa to a commanding innings and 31-run victory over Australia in the second Test in Gqeberha, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Despite losing nearly 200 overs to weather interruptions and facing injury setbacks, South Africa managed one of their most impressive Test wins in recent memory. The final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Cape Town.

South Africa overcame early difficulties, including being 92 for five on the opening day and the absence of bowler Anrich Nortje for most of the match due to injury. Rabada, returning after a hamstring setback, took four wickets for 77 runs, supported by Wiaan Mulder’s three wickets. Australia was dismissed for 295 in their second innings after having been bowled out for just 99 in their first innings.

Australia’s nightwatchman Scott Boland showed resilience with a patient 40 runs off 166 balls, and opener Travis Head scored a determined century, his second overseas Test hundred. However, South Africa’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, eventually wrapping up the innings and securing the victory.

The final day’s play was delayed by rain and strong winds, reducing the available time by 16 overs and providing Australia with a glimmer of hope for a draw. Once play resumed, Mulder dismissed Head by forcing an inside edge, and Steve Smith—batting at number seven due to a neck injury—was soon out after struggling with mobility against short-pitched bowling, falling to Rabada in the second over with the new ball.

By the tea interval, Australia stood at 253 for six, still 73 runs short of making South Africa bat again, with Boland and Alex Carey at the crease. Boland’s determined defense was ended when Mulder bowled him with a sharply jagging delivery. Carey showed grit despite some uncertainty against spin but eventually ran out of partners as Mulder took out Pat Cummins and Rabada removed Mitchell Starc. Marco Jansen then secured the final wicket, inducing an edge from Josh Hazlewood to slip.

The result puts Australia under pressure to reconsider their lineup for the series-deciding Test. Opener Nic Maddinson has struggled to establish himself, while Marnus Labuschagne has repeatedly failed to convert starts into substantial scores, with a notable century drought spanning 43 innings. Australia may also reevaluate their bowling attack, including the potential return of spinner Nathan Lyon. Boland, who contributed notably with both bat and ball, may have justified concerns if he is omitted ahead of the decider. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the need for changes, admitting South Africa outplayed them and that Australia fell short of their best.

South Africa will also face selection decisions, particularly regarding their pace bowling without the likely continuing absence of Nortje. They might consider including spinner Keshav Maharaj as a tactical option. South African captain Temba Bavuma, who earned player of the match honors for his pivotal innings of 179, expressed confidence from the win but emphasized that the team’s task is not complete. He highlighted the value of leaders like Rabada and Jansen in executing South Africa’s strategy of patient, traditional Test cricket focused on wearing down the opposition and capitalizing on opportunities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.