Harmer Shines as South Africa Clinch Test Series Against Australia
Cape Town: South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test at Newlands to win the series 2-1. The result also gave South Africa the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings.
South Africa had already won the ODI series 2-1 before the Tests began. Australia won the first Test by 214 runs, but the hosts bounced back in the second Test with an emphatic innings and 31-run win. That result set up a winner-takes-all final match in Cape Town.
Winning the toss, Australia's opponents chose to bat first, though the decision was made after South Africa lost the toss. They amassed 329 in the first innings. Markram (78) and Ackerman (95) gave the innings a strong start with a 158-run first-wicket stand. Rickelton (42) and Jansen (52) then put on 95 runs for the seventh wicket. Bedingham added 50. Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 6 wickets for 72 runs, and Lyon took 2.
Australia responded with 429 and a 100-run first-innings lead. Renshaw (74) and Green (65) shared a 126-run third-wicket stand. Inglis (102) and Carey (80) then added 185 runs for the fifth wicket, the biggest partnership of the innings. Harmer took 4 wickets for the hosts and Jansen claimed 3.
With South Africa 181 for 5 in the second innings, Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) rebuilt the innings with a 154-run sixth-wicket partnership. Ackerman (62) also scored a half-century. Starc took 3 wickets and Lyon 2.
Australia needed 288 on the final day but lost seven wickets in the first session. Renshaw fell for a duck on the third ball, and Labuschagne was out for 4 soon after, with the total on 5. Green scored 27 off 110 balls with three fours, while Head and Inglis added 17 and 18 runs in their respective partnerships. Australia were 62 for 8 at one stage. Lyon (33 not out) and Cummins (11) put on 45 runs in 104 balls for the ninth wicket, but Australia were bowled out for 111 in 57.1 overs.
Harmer was the standout performer with 6 wickets for 16 runs in 21.1 overs, including 14 maidens. Rabada finished with 3 wickets for 39 runs.