South Africa beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, setting up a series decider after Rabada and Mulder led the charge.
Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder spearheaded a statement win in Gqeberha as South Africa sealed the second Test against Australia by an innings and 31 runs. The result levels the series and sends the contest to a decider.
It was far from a sprint. The Proteas had to be patient deep into the final day, with nerves fraying and the weather threatening to interfere. Australia refused to go quietly, finishing on 295 second time around and getting within 28 overs of batting out for a draw.
Scott Boland did the most to frustrate the hosts. He batted for more than three hours as nightwatchman and, with Travis Head, kept South Africa waiting. In the end, though, Australia had put themselves in too deep a hole to climb out of.
The damage came earlier. South Africa recovered from a shaky 40 for four to pass 400, then bowled Australia out for just 99 and enforced the follow-on. Asking Australia to rescue the match from there was always a big ask, and the Proteas made sure the points stayed at home.
With the series level and one Test left, South Africa take serious momentum into the decider.
