14 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a career-best performance of six wickets for 49 runs on the fifth day. The victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
South Africa, chasing a target of 421 runs, were bowled out for 206 in their second innings. Although opener Aiden Markram fought hard with a patient 75, Australia’s bowling attack broke through at crucial moments to secure the win.
Hazlewood leads Australia’s bowling attack
Hazlewood was the standout performer on the final day, finishing with figures of 6/49. He removed key batters as South Africa attempted to save the match and eventually ended the innings by dismissing Anrich Nortje.
The Australian pacer broke the 69-run partnership between Markram and Wiaan Mulder, taking a crucial wicket when Mulder edged a delivery down the leg side. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed an excellent catch to give Australia the breakthrough they needed.
Part-time spinner Matt Renshaw then dismissed Kyle Verreynne, leaving South Africa under further pressure. Hazlewood returned with the new ball and removed Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer in the same over, effectively ending the home side’s resistance. <Cite refs={[“turn891722news14″,”turn891722search10”]}/>
Aiden Markram fights with 75 runs
Markram was South Africa’s most determined batter in the second innings. He scored 75 runs from 237 balls, spending almost six hours at the crease and trying to keep Australia’s bowlers at bay.
He received some support from Mulder, who scored 29, and Jansen, who contributed 35. However, South Africa struggled to build partnerships capable of putting sustained pressure on the visitors.
Markram’s innings ended when he edged Mitchell Starc’s delivery behind the wicket following a television review. South Africa then lost their final four wickets for just five runs, allowing Australia to complete the victory shortly after lunch.
Matt Renshaw stars with the bat
While Hazlewood dominated with the ball, Matt Renshaw was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution.
Renshaw scored 190 runs in Australia’s first innings and followed it with 82 in the second innings. He also took two wickets in South Africa’s second innings, helping Australia strengthen their position in the contest.
Australia had faced early difficulties in the first innings after slipping to 124 for six. Renshaw’s 190 helped the visitors recover and post a total of 390. His second-innings contribution further increased South Africa’s target and placed Australia in a commanding position.
Match scorecard
Australia scored 390 runs in their first innings. South Africa responded with 284, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 106 runs.
Australia declared their second innings at 314 for six, setting South Africa a target of 421 runs to win. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 206 in 86.5 overs, handing Australia a comprehensive victory by 214 runs.
The result gives Australia an early advantage in the series and provides a strong start to their tour of South Africa