SA vs AUS: Australia secured a commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Josh Hazlewood delivered a match-winning performance on the final day, claiming six wickets in the second innings to dismiss the hosts for 206 while defending a target of 421. South Africa resumed their second innings at 102/4, needing another 319 runs for victory. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder initially offered resistance, adding 69 runs for the fifth wicket to keep Australia’s bowlers at bay during the morning session.
Hazlewood breaks resistance as Australia seal victory
The breakthrough came when Hazlewood removed Mulder, who scored 29, ending a stubborn partnership that had briefly raised South Africa’s hopes of saving the Test. Matt Renshaw then dismissed Kyle Verreynne for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 166/6.
Markram continued to battle with determination, compiling a patient 75 from 115 balls before Mitchell Starc ended his innings. Hazlewood subsequently tore through the lower order, finishing with outstanding figures of 6/49 in 16.5 overs. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 206 in 86.5 overs, handing Australia a comprehensive win.
Australia’s victory was built on a substantial first-innings total of 390, powered by Matt Renshaw’s magnificent 190 off 397 deliveries. The batter anchored the innings with 21 fours and a six, while captain Pat Cummins contributed 43. South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder claimed four wickets but could not prevent the visitors from establishing a 106-run lead after the hosts were dismissed for 284.
Australia strengthened their position in the second innings by declaring at 314/6 in just 58 overs. Their aggressive approach set South Africa an imposing target, and the visitors’ disciplined bowling ensured the hosts never came close to mounting a successful chase.
The result also ended Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten run as South Africa’s Test captain. Australia will carry considerable confidence into the second Test after combining Renshaw’s outstanding batting with Hazlewood’s decisive bowling display.
Brief scores: Australia 390 (Matt Renshaw 190, Pat Cummins 43; Wiaan Mulder 4-68, Marco Jansen 3-68) & 314/6 decl. (Matthew Renshaw 82, Nic Maddinson 48; Anrich Nortje 2-56, Keshav Maharaj 2-56) lead South Africa 284 & 206 (Aiden Markram 75, David Bedingham 46; Josh Hazlewood 6-49, Matt Renshaw 2-39) by 214 runs
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