Simon Harmer’s Six-Wicket Haul Seals South Africa’s Series Triumph Over Australia

South Africa defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town, on Saturday to clinch the series 2-1.

Simon Harmer starred with six wickets, while Kagiso Rabada claimed three as Australia collapsed for 111 in their second innings.

The victory also helped South Africa reclaim the number one position in the ICC Test team rankings from Australia.

Chasing 288 for victory, Australia resumed the final day hoping to secure a win or bat out the remaining 90 overs for a draw.

However, Rabada dismantled their top order, reducing the visitors to 60/7 by lunch.

Rabada removed Matthew Renshaw for a golden duck and trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw for two. He then dismissed Travis Head for 16, reaching the milestone of 350 Test wickets.

Josh Inglis departed for four following a run-out after a misunderstanding with Cameron Green. Harmer subsequently dismissed Alex Carey for six and Beau Webster for a duck.

Green and Nathan Lyon attempted to resist through a fighting partnership. However, Harmer bowled Green for 27 before removing captain Pat Cummins lbw for 10.

He then dismissed Josh Hazlewood for a duck to complete the victory. Harmer finished with figures of 6-16 in 21.1 overs.

Earlier, South Africa recovered from a 100-run first-innings deficit through centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder.

Rickelton scored 101, while Mulder contributed 115. Their 154-run sixth-wicket partnership helped South Africa reach 387 and set Australia a target of 288.

Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs. South Africa levelled the contest with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha before sealing the series in Cape Town.

Brief Scores: South Africa 329 and 387 beat Australia 429 and 111 by 176 runs. Simon Harmer: 6-16; Kagiso Rabada: 3-39.

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