South Africa completed a stunning series turnaround at Newlands on Saturday, October 31, 2026, beating Australia by 176 runs in the decisive third Test to win the series 2-1 — and leapfrog Australia to the top of the ICC Test rankings, their first time at No. 1 since January 2016.
Set 288 to win on the final day, Australia crumbled to 111 all out in 57.1 overs on a turning Cape Town wicket. Off-spinner Simon Harmer produced a career-best 6-16, while Kagiso Rabada took 3-39, dismissing Matt Renshaw (0), Marnus Labuschagne (4) and Travis Head (14). With his haul, Rabada reached 350 Test wickets — and did it in just 13,808 deliveries, the fastest ever by balls bowled, ahead of Dale Steyn (14,719) and Waqar Younis (14,905).
The platform for the win was laid on day four, when Ryan Rickelton (101) and Wiaan Mulder (115) piled up centuries in a 154-run sixth-wicket stand, lifting South Africa to 387 all out. Earlier, South Africa had made 329 in the first innings, Australia replied with 429 — powered by Josh Inglis’s 102, Alex Carey’s 80 and Renshaw’s 74 — before the hosts took control.
The series swung wildly from start to finish. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs; South Africa roared back in Gqeberha, winning the second by an innings and 31 runs. Newlands delivered the decider, and the Proteas delivered the performance.
South Africa’s rise to world No. 1 — confirmed by Reuters and Sky Sports — caps a remarkable fortnight. From one down to series winners and the top-ranked Test side in the world, this is a team announcing itself as the side to beat.
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.