South Africa collapsed in the final stages of the match, losing their last four wickets for a mere five runs to be bowled out for 206. Josh Hazlewood anchored the bowling attack, recording his best figures of his career as Australia navigated the final day of the opening Test at Kingsmead. The result ensures Australia moves into a 1-0 lead in the series.
This victory marks a significant turning point in the series, securing a win for the touring side after a match heavily interrupted by weather. With 60 overs lost during the opening three days of play, the quick finish to the game proved essential for Australia to secure the win before the draw became the likely outcome. The outcome holds weight for both sides as they compete in a tight series where conditions provided ample bounce and seam for the bowling units throughout the five-day encounter.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the match concluded on the fifth day, providing a definitive start to the series. The Age reported that while South African allrounder Jansen attempted a counter-attack, contributing 35 runs off 52 deliveries including six boundaries and one six, he could not prevent the late-game surge from the Australian bowlers. The performance from the Australian seamers proved too much for the hosts to overcome in the final session of the Test.
Australia looks ahead to the remainder of the series with the momentum of an opening win. Both teams will now evaluate their strategies following the intense conditions experienced at the Kingsmead ground.