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Australia registered a commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test of the three-match series at Kingsmead, Durban. Matt Renshaw's outstanding first-innings century and Josh Hazlewood's six-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings proved decisive as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The result also strengthened Australia's position at the top of the WTC points table. Before the match, Australia had already built a strong record in the ongoing cycle, and the victory added another 12 points to their tally. South Africa, meanwhile, suffered a setback in their bid to reach the 2027 WTC final.
Also Read: Australia end Temba Bavuma’s historic unbeaten run with Durban Test victory
Matt Renshaw shines with iconic knock for Australia
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first at Kingsmead. The decision paid off as Matt Renshaw produced a career-defining innings, scoring 190 off 397 deliveries. His knock included 21 fours and one six, helping Australia reach 390 all out in 137.2 overs.
Renshaw received limited support from the other batters. Pat Cummins contributed 43, while Marnus Labuschagne made 37 and Nathan Lyon added 27. Marco Jansen was South Africa's leading bowler with three wickets, while Wiaan Mulder claimed four.
South Africa responded with 284 in their first innings. Aiden Markram scored 37, David Bedingham made 49, and Tristan Stubbs contributed 32. Simon Harmer remained unbeaten on 35, while Keshav Maharaj added 34. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood took three wickets each to give Australia a first-innings lead of 106 runs.
Australia's second innings was considerably shorter. Nic Maddinson scored 48, Labuschagne made 37, and Steven Smith contributed 27 before the visitors were dismissed for 314/6 declared. Matt Renshaw added 82, giving Australia a substantial advantage and setting South Africa a target of 421.
Josh Hazlewood turns HazleGOD as Australia seal dominant win
South Africa struggled to mount a sustained chase despite Markram's 75 off 237 balls. Bedingham scored 46, while Mulder made 29 and Jansen contributed 35. However, the hosts were bowled out for 206 in 86.5 overs, handing Australia a 214-run victory.
Hazlewood led the attack with six wickets, dismantling South Africa's batting lineup in a decisive spell. Matt Renshaw also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, while Cummins claimed one. Australia's bowling effort ensured that the hosts could not build the partnerships needed to challenge the target.
The result gave Australia a strong start to their South African tour and added valuable points to their WTC campaign.
Also Read: Australia end Temba Bavuma’s historic unbeaten run with Durban Test victory
Updated WTC Points Table After South Africa vs Australia 1st Test, 2026
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | DED | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 81.82% |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 72.22% |
| 3 | South Africa | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 60.00% |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 55.56% |
| 5 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 68 | 51.52% |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 74 | 38.54% |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 33.33% |
| 8 | West Indies | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 30 | 20.83% |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 4.63% |
Australia's latest win keeps them firmly in first place with a points percentage of 81.82. New Zealand occupy second place, while South Africa slip to third after the defeat. The top two teams at the end of the league phase will qualify for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
