South Africa Beat Australia by 176 Runs to Seal Test Series 2-1

Simon Harmer spins a web at Newlands as South Africa crush Australia by 176 runs on Day 5 of the 3rd Test in Cape Town to wrap up a thrilling 2-1 series victory.

News Source: https://www.cricinfo.com/

Australia lost the third and final Test match against South Africa by 176 runs at the Newlands Cricket Ground due to a stunning batting collapse on the last day. With this victory, the hosts won the fiercely contested three-match series 2-1. Australia collapsed under tremendous pressure against an unrelenting bowling attack while chasing a goal of 288 runs on a worn-out fifth-day surface. They lost their last three wickets in quick succession during the post-lunch session and were bowled out for just 111 runs in their second innings.

Simon Harmer, an off-spinner, was South Africa's hero of the day. He finished with amazing statistics of 6 for 16 after bowling a fantastic, game-winning stint that took advantage of the field's weak areas. Kagiso Rabada, a fast bowler, helped Harmer tremendously by tearing through the top order early on and finishing with 3 for 16, putting the tourists in serious difficulty right from the beginning of their pursuit. It was a really difficult day at work for the Australian side. Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne were dismissed in the opening over of the innings, giving the team a disastrous start.

The spinning ball was also too much for the middle order, as players found it difficult to respond to Harmer's precise deliveries. When all-rounder Cameron Green made an effort to salvage the game, there was a fleeting glimmer of optimism. Green had a very courageous effort, battling hard for 27 runs off 97 balls while cautiously blocking the ball. While captain Pat Cummins joined him to attempt to run out the clock, he remained steadfast at one end. Playing several consecutive maiden overs to annoy the fielding team, the pair completely stopped the scoring. But as soon as South Africa ended their sluggish partnership, the rest of the team's tail-end hitters were dismissed.

Thanks to outstanding hundreds from Wiaan Mulder (115) and Ryan Rickelton (101), South Africa earlier in the game set up the triumph by amassing 387 runs in their second innings. Josh Inglis's 102 gave Australia a strong lead in the first innings, but on the last day, the visiting squad was unable to hold on.

FAQs:

Q: Who won the 3rd Test match between South Africa and Australia?

A: South Africa won the match against Australia by 176 runs.

Q: What was the final series score between South Africa and Australia?

A: South Africa won the three-match Test series against Australia 2-1.

Q: Where was the 3rd Test between South Africa and Australia played?

A: The match between South Africa and Australia took place at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town..

Q: Who was the best bowler on the final day of the South Africa vs Australia Test?

A: Simon Harmer starred for South Africa against Australia with match-winning figures of 6 for 16.

Q: What target did Australia have to chase against South Africa?

A: Australia was set a target of 288 runs by South Africa in the final innings.