Now Reading: Mulder and Rabada Fire South Africa to Series-Levelling Win Over Australia
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Mulder and Rabada Fire South Africa to Series-Levelling Win Over Australia
Mulder and Rabada Fire South Africa to Series-Levelling Win Over Australia
South Africa beat the clock and the clouds at St George’s Park. They bowled Australia out for 295 in the final session on Thursday and won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs. Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada led a late charge that levelled the series.
A Race Against Looming Bad Weather
A result looked far-fetched for most of this Test. Rain washed out the bulk of the first two days, and South Africa were 110-6 when the sun finally appeared on day three.
Australia, fresh from their win in the first Test, were ready to press home their advantage. Instead, the match turned on its head.
Bavuma Leads the Fightback
Captain Temba Bavuma played a brilliant innings of 179 to drag South Africa out of trouble. The hosts declared on 425-9, a total that looked unlikely a day earlier.
Australia then collapsed for just 99 and were asked to bat again. South Africa were suddenly in command, but the weather was still a threat.
Head Defies the Hosts
Travis Head and nightwatchman Scott Boland resumed on 156-4 after rain wiped out the morning session. Head, 87 overnight, went on to make 121 and gave Australia real hope.
It was his 13th Test century but only his second outside Australia. For nearly 90 minutes, the South African attack searched for a breakthrough without success.
Mulder Strikes
Mulder provided the breakthrough when Head chopped a rising delivery onto his stumps. The wicket changed the mood at St George’s Park.
Steve Smith, who had battled a neck problem in the first innings, followed for three. He pulled at Rabada with the second new ball and top-edged to Matthew Breetzke at midwicket, who juggled the chance before holding on.
“We were scrambling a bit, not sure about the weather and Australia made us work hard for those last six wickets,” said Bavuma.
Boland’s Stand Ends, Then the Tail Falls
Boland batted for 166 balls and made a Test-high 40. He put a steep price on his wicket until Mulder bowled him through the gate soon after tea.
In his next over, Mulder bowled captain Pat Cummins for four after he played down the wrong line. Australia’s resistance was crumbling.
Rabada and Jansen Finish the Job
As dark clouds gathered, Rabada returned for a fresh spell and bowled Mitchell Starc for 11 straight away. One wicket remained.
Marco Jansen claimed it when Josh Hazlewood nicked a catch to the slips first ball. Alex Carey finished unbeaten on 37.
It was a strong return for Rabada after a lengthy injury layoff. He took 4-77, while Mulder claimed 3-64.
“I thought we showed some good fight but it wasn’t quite enough. We were a long way from our best,” said Cummins.
Match Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs |
| South Africa 1st innings | 425-9 declared |
| Top scorer (SA) | Temba Bavuma, 179 |
| Australia 1st innings | 99 all out |
| Australia 2nd innings | 295 all out |
| Top scorer (AUS) | Travis Head, 121 |
| Best bowling | Kagiso Rabada, 4-77 |
| Also impressive | Wiaan Mulder, 3-64 |
What Comes Next
The three-match series is now level at 1-1. Australia’s batting looked fragile in Gqeberha, and South Africa’s attack hit its stride when it mattered.
The decider is at Newlands in Cape Town and starts on Tuesday. After a Test shaped by rain, recoveries and big moments, the series finale has plenty to live up to.
