SA vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood's Career-Best 6-Wicket Haul Powers Australia To 214-Run Win Over South Africa In Durban Test

Durban, October 13: Josh Hazlewood produced a career-best bowling performance to lead Australia to a commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead on Tuesday (October 13), as the world champions were bowled out for 206 while chasing a daunting target of 421.

Hazlewood finished with figures of 6/49, dismantling South Africa's resistance on the fifth day and helping Australia seal a memorable victory in the first Test between the sides since the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's.

The right-arm fast bowler claimed four of the six remaining South African wickets on Tuesday, wrapping up the contest less than an hour after lunch. South Africa, who had scored 284 in their first innings, struggled to find an answer to Australia's relentless bowling attack on the final day.

Aiden Markram's Resistance Goes In Vain

Aiden Markram was the last major obstacle between Australia and victory, with the South African opener producing a determined fourth-innings effort that lasted nearly six hours.

Markram faced 237 deliveries for his 75, attempting to keep Australia's bowlers at bay and give his side a slim chance of pulling off an improbable chase. His dismissal, however, triggered the end of South Africa's resistance.

Initially given not out, Markram was eventually dismissed after Australia reviewed the decision, with an inside edge carrying through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Mitchell Starc.

Markram's departure came shortly after Hazlewood had broken the stubborn partnership between the opener and Wiaan Mulder, which had resumed on Tuesday after beginning late on the previous evening.

Mulder, who had started the day on five, battled through 110 deliveries to score 29 before Hazlewood found a way past him. Kyle Verreynne lasted only three deliveries, edging a cut shot off Matt Renshaw to Steve Smith at slip for one.

The dismissal gave Renshaw his second wicket of the innings and the second of his Test career, adding another dimension to an outstanding all-round contribution.

Hazlewood Strikes After Lunch

South Africa managed just 64 runs in 32 overs during the morning session, prioritising survival as Australia tightened the pressure on a fifth-day pitch that had not deteriorated as much as expected.

Markram reached his half-century during the session and went to lunch on 69, keeping alive South Africa's hopes of extending the contest.

However, Australia's decision to take the second new ball in the 82nd over proved decisive.

Hazlewood struck twice in the same over, first bowling Marco Jansen through the gate with a delivery that nipped back to end his resistance on 35. Simon Harmer followed in the same over after a rising delivery brushed his glove and shoulder, with Carey completing a difficult catch.

The double strike gave Hazlewood his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Markram fell in the next over, and Hazlewood completed his six-wicket haul in the following over to bring the match to a close.

Renshaw finished with figures of 2/30, while Starc and captain Pat Cummins claimed a wicket apiece.

Matt Renshaw's Batting Makes The Difference

While Hazlewood delivered the decisive bowling performance, Matt Renshaw was Australia's standout performer with the bat.

The middle-order batter scored a superb 190 in Australia's first innings of 390, before adding another 82 in the second innings as Australia declared at 314/6.

His contributions across both innings helped Australia establish the commanding position from which they could attack South Africa on the final day. Renshaw also chipped in with two wickets in South Africa's second innings, underlining his value to the side.

Australia's total of 390 in the first innings gave them a useful advantage before South Africa responded with 284. The visitors then strengthened their grip on the contest with their second-innings declaration, leaving the Proteas with 421 to chase.

Steve Smith Returns After Concussion Assessment

Australia also received a boost with Steve Smith returning to the field on the final day after undergoing a concussion assessment.

Smith had been struck on the helmet while batting on Monday and did not take the field during the evening session. He was cleared following medical evaluation and returned to the field on Tuesday, taking the crucial catch to dismiss Verreynne.

Australia Take Early Lead In Three-Test Series

The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series and puts the visitors in a strong position heading into the second match.

For South Africa, Markram's determined innings offered resistance but could not compensate for the pressure created by Australia's substantial first-innings lead and Renshaw's contributions in both innings.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on Sunday at Gqeberha, where South Africa will look to bounce back and level the series.

(With Inputs from Agencies)