South Africa secure innings victory over Australia on final day

South Africa wrapped up the second Test of the five‑match series against Australia on the fifth day, winning by an innings and 31 runs. The hosts declared their first innings at 425 for nine after 127.1 overs, while the visitors were dismissed for 99 in 42.3 overs in the first innings and could not recover in the second, folding for 295 in 107.1 overs.

Aaron Markram anchored South Africa’s innings with a commanding 112 off 124 balls, striking 20 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 90.32. He was supported by a solid partnership with Janneman Harmer, who contributed 85 runs, and a late surge from Reeza Breetzke, who added 41. The South African bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, who claimed four wickets for 93 runs in 24.1 overs at an economy of 3.68, dismantled the Australian batting line‑up.

Australia’s first innings collapsed to 99 all out, with South Africa’s pace attack dominating. Starc’s four‑wicket haul was complemented by Josh Hazlewood’s three for 60 in 14 overs, while the home spinners and seamers kept the pressure on throughout.

In the follow‑on, Australia managed 295, with a half‑century from Travis Head (142) and a 65‑run contribution from Marnus Labuschagne. However, the deficit proved too large. South Africa’s bowlers again proved decisive: Starc took another three wickets, and Hazlewood added two more, ensuring the visitors could not mount a comeback.

Key figures for South Africa included Starc’s eight wickets across both innings, Hazlewood’s five, and a tidy spell from Rudi Koertzen (Boland) who bowled 29 overs for 151 runs and two wickets. For Australia, the most successful bowler was Pat Cummins, who claimed three wickets for 107 runs in the second innings.

The win puts South Africa in a commanding position in the series, while Australia will look to regroup after a comprehensive defeat.