South Africa secured a dramatic draw in the second Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha, on Thursday 22 October, beating Australia by an innings and 31 runs. The result levelled the three‑match series, leaving the final in Cape Town to decide the outright winner.
The match was dominated by South Africa’s pace attack. Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen claimed the last four wickets Australia needed, while Boland took a five‑for. Jansen and Harmer both added fifties to the chase, and the bowlers’ performance was pivotal as the hosts collapsed after a century.
Temba Bavuma, who had been reeling at 97/5, turned the tide with a career‑best 179. It was his first century against Australia and his fifth Test hundred overall. The innings was described as the finest Test performance by the player, and it lifted the Proteas from a precarious position.
Rabada’s return to the side was marked by a wicket with his fourth ball, and he finished with figures of 2‑33. Mulder finished with 2‑14, and the trio’s combined effort left Australia skittled for 99 in 42.4 overs. The rain‑affected day added to the intensity of the contest.
"Everyone wants to have a go at us," Bavuma said after the match, reflecting on the team’s resilience after a loss in Durban the previous week. The captain’s words echoed the spirit of the side as they fought back from a difficult start.
The first Test in Durban had seen Australia win comfortably, ending South Africa’s unbeaten run. Bavuma’s experience as captain was tested, but the team’s response in Gqeberha showed their determination to remain world champions after their 2025 title win at the WTC final.
The series decider will take place in Cape Town from 27 October. South Africa will look to build on the momentum from Gqeberha to secure a series victory and cement their status as the reigning World Test Champions.