Harmer and Rabada Bowl South Africa Past Australia to Series Win and Top Test Ranking
South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town on October 31, 2026 [1]. The win sealed a 2-1 series triumph for the hosts [1]. It also lifted South Africa above Australia to the top of the Test world rankings [1].
Chasing 288 for victory, Australia were bowled out for 111 in the second session on the final day [1]. Off-spinner Simon Harmer took a career-best 6 for 16 in the second innings [1]. Kagiso Rabada took 3 for 39 and reached 350 Test wickets during the innings [1].
Key facts
Harmer finished with match figures of 10 for 120, his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket [3]. Fourteen of his second-innings overs were maidens [3]. Harmer was named Player of the Match [4].
Rabada struck twice in the first over of the final day, removing Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne [2]. He later dismissed Travis Head, and that wicket was his 350th in Test cricket [3]. He reached the mark in 13,808 balls, faster than Dale Steyn at 14,719 balls and Waqar Younis at 14,905 balls [1].
Australia slumped to 62 for 8 before a ninth-wicket stand delayed the end [1]. Nathan Lyon finished 33 not out as the top scorer in the innings [3]. Harmer trapped Pat Cummins leg before wicket and then bowled Josh Hazlewood to seal the win [1].
The scores were South Africa 329 and 387 against Australia 429 and 111 [4]. Wiaan Mulder scored 115 and Ryan Rickelton scored 101 in South Africa's second innings [3]. Josh Inglis scored 102 in Australia's first innings [3].
Context
South Africa rallied from 1-0 down in the series [2]. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs [2]. South Africa won the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs [2].
The win took South Africa to the top of the Test rankings for the first time since January 2016 [1]. It was Australia's first Test series defeat since March 2023 [3]. It was also only the fourth time Australia have lost a three-match series after winning the first Test [3].
The result keeps alive South Africa's hopes of defending their World Test Championship title next year [1]. South Africa beat Australia at Lord's in the previous decider in 2025 [1].
What happens next
South Africa now hold the top ranking after a comeback series win [1]. Australia must regroup after their first series loss in more than three years [3]. The ranking change also sharpens the race for the next World Test Championship final [1].
Verified: 2026-11-01
Disclosure: This article was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor. Facts reflect sources available on the verified date; developing stories may have new details — check the cited sources for updates.