South Africa are closing in on a memorable victory over Australia in the decisive third Test at Newlands in Cape Town after Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up on Saturday.
Australia were struggling at 60 for seven at lunch on the fifth and final day, needing another 228 runs to reach their victory target of 288 and save the match.
Rabada produced a devastating opening spell, claiming three wickets for just 14 runs. His victims included Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, whose dismissal saw the Proteas fast bowler reach the significant milestone of 350 Test wickets.
Rabada achieved the landmark in just 13,808 deliveries, becoming the fastest bowler to reach 350 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled.
Head’s dismissal proved particularly significant as it left Australia under mounting pressure in their attempt to chase down the target on a deteriorating Newlands pitch.
While Rabada inflicted the early damage, experienced spinner Harmer continued to trouble the Australian batsmen, claiming three wickets for five runs as the visitors struggled to find stability.
Harmer dismissed Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Starc, leaving Australia’s hopes of a successful chase hanging by a thread.
Josh Inglis was also run out as the Proteas tightened their grip on the contest.
Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 25 at lunch, with captain Pat Cummins alongside him as Australia faced an uphill battle to keep their hopes alive.
The series is delicately poised at 1-1 following Australia’s victory in the opening Test in Durban and South Africa’s emphatic innings-and-31-run triumph in Gqeberha in the second encounter.
South Africa recovered impressively in the third Test after being bowled out for 329 in their first innings, with Australia responding with 429 to secure a 100-run lead.
However, centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder in the second innings revived the Proteas’ hopes.
Rickelton scored 101, while Mulder made a superb 115 as South Africa posted 387 all out, setting Australia a challenging target of 288.
The Proteas’ bowlers have since taken control, putting their team within touching distance of a victory that would secure the series 2-1.
Victory would also have major significance for South Africa’s standing in international cricket, with the series decider carrying the prize of the world number-one position in Test cricket.
With Australia reduced to 60 for seven at lunch, the Proteas will be determined to complete the job and celebrate a remarkable turnaround in the series.