South Africa thumped Australia by 176 runs at Newlands as the hosts' bowling attack produced fireworks to clinch a 2-1 victory in the three-match series and propel the Proteas to the top of the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings. This wasn't a chase that drifted away; it was snatched from Australia early on. Kagiso Rabada ripped through it in the first over and spinner Simon Harmer took a career-best 6-16 to destroy any hopes of a comeback.
Set a target of 288 for victory, the tourists were bowled out for 111 as South Africa leapfrogged them to go top of the Test world rankings for the first time since January 2016. Kagiso Rabada became the quickest bowler to 350 Test wickets by balls bowled, reaching the milestone in 13,808 deliveries. Simon Harmer claimed a first 10-wicket haul in Tests with figures of 10-120 across the match.
Australia captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the challenge of playing tough opponents away from home, stating they came thinking they were good enough to win but couldn't do it. South Africa had done the hard work on day four, when Kagiso Rabada ripped through the top order early. Matt Renshaw was caught by Ryan Rickelton down the leg side for a golden duck and Marnus Labuschagne was lbw for four.
Travis Head followed for 14, caught by Marco Jansen at gully, as Rabada took his 350th Test wicket. That landmark made Rabada the quickest bowler to 350 Test wickets by balls bowled. He got there in 13,808 deliveries, ahead of compatriot Dale Steyn and Pakistan's Waqar Younis.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing