South Africa levels series with innings win over Australia in Gqeberha

South Africa won the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs, leveling the series 1‑1 and forcing a decider in Cape Town. The hosts posted 425‑9 declared, powered by Temba Bavuma’s 179 and Marco Jansen’s quick 85. Australia’s first‑innings collapse to 99 left them 326 runs behind, and a rain‑affected first session gave South Africa a chance to press. Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets for 77 runs, while Marco Jansen, who had earlier taken 5‑33 on day four, grabbed the final wicket as Australia were bowled out for 295 in the second innings. Travis Head top‑scored for the visitors with 121, and Scott Boland endured 166 balls for 40 runs in a vain attempt to draw the match. Wiaan Mulder added three wickets for 64, dismissing Head, Boland and captain Pat Cummins with tight, moving deliveries. The victory echoes past South African triumphs over Australia, including the 2021 World Test Championship final and the 2018 Sandpaper series on the same ground. After a heavy 214‑run loss in the first Test at Durban, the Proteas turned the tide when they were 40‑4 and 110‑6 in their first innings, only to surge ahead thanks to Bavuma’s marathon knock. The win sets up a high‑stakes final in Cape Town.

Context

The series is tied 1‑1, so the upcoming fifth Test in Cape Town will decide the overall winner, a rare split‑series outcome between the two nations.