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Aussies fold on final day as Proteas take series, No.1 ranking

Simon Harmer bowls South Africa to a stunning 176-run victory in Cape Town to win the series 2-1…

By Louis Cameron · Cricket Australia

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 1:24 PM

Key Things to Know

South Africa won the series 2-1 and claimed the ICC No. 1 ranking by beating Australia by 176 runs.
Simon Harmer took 6-16 in the second innings to finish with career-best match figures of 10-120.
Kagiso Rabada took 3-39 as Australia collapsed while chasing a target of 288 in Cape Town.

The Story in 60 Seconds

South Africa secured a 2-1 series victory and claimed the ICC No. 1 ranking after defeating Australia by 176 runs at Newlands in Cape Town. Chasing 288 for victory on the final day, Australia suffered a major batting collapse, losing their top order rapidly before being bowled out well short of the target before tea.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer spearheaded the Proteas' victory with remarkable second-innings figures of 6-16, taking his match haul to 10-120. Pacer Kagiso Rabada contributed early breakthroughs with 3-39, while Nathan Lyon top-scored for the struggling visitors with 33 not out.

Read the full article on Cricket Australia

Aussies fold on final day as Proteas take series, No.1 ranking

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