South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands, completing a 2–1 series win after taking control on the final day. Australia were bowled out for 111 while chasing 288, giving the hosts a decisive finish to the three-match contest.
| Innings | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 329 | 429 |
| Second innings | 387 | 111 |
| Match result | South Africa won by 176 runs | |
Australia’s first-innings lead was not enough
Australia took a 100-run first-innings advantage after South Africa were dismissed for 329 and the tourists replied with 429. That lead put the visitors in a strong position, but South Africa produced a substantial second-innings response to set Australia a target of 288.
The home side’s 387 gave its bowlers enough runs to attack. Australia never established the partnership required for the chase and collapsed to 111 all out.
South Africa’s bowlers close out the match
The decisive final innings showed the value of South Africa’s pressure with the ball. Australia lost wickets regularly and could not turn a promising first-innings position into a series-clinching result. The 176-run margin reflected the scale of the second-innings collapse.
Series result: South Africa win 2–1
The victory completed a comeback in the series after Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs. South Africa responded with an innings-and-31-run win in the second Test, then secured the decider at Newlands by 176 runs.
Sources
- Cricket Australia: Official South Africa vs Australia Test series results
- Cricbuzz: Third Test scorecard
- Wisden: South Africa vs Australia, third Test
Report updated November 7, 2026. South Africa won the three-Test series 2–1.
