Sports · Cricket · 3 hrs ago
Australia close in on Durban Test win over South Africa
Australia are close to beating South Africa in the first Test of the series in Durban.
After building a first-innings lead, Australia declared their second innings at 314-6, with Matt Renshaw again making a major contribution.
South Africa need 319 runs to win, but ended day four on 102-4 with six wickets remaining.
They must bat through the final day to draw or score the runs to win.
South Africa had been unbeaten in 12 Tests under captain Temba Bavuma, winning 11 and drawing one.
The teams have two more Tests in South Africa this summer, and the final day will decide whether Australia end that unbeaten run.
Australia moved close to a Test victory over South Africa in Durban on day four of the series opener.
Matt Renshaw made 89 in Australia’s second innings, and the team declared at 314-6.
South Africa ended the day at 102-4, needing 319 more runs to win.
Australia took four wickets, including captain Temba Bavuma, and South Africa had six wickets remaining.
South Africa needed to bat out the final day to earn a draw.
- Who
- Australia and South Africa, led by Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma.
- What
- Australia moved close to victory in the first Test after setting South Africa a target of 421.
- When
- Day four of five; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Durban, South Africa.
- Why
- Australia were pursuing a win in the series opener; South Africa needed 319 runs to win or to bat out the final day for a draw.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Australia scored 390 and South Africa replied with 284.
Renshaw scored 89 as Australia declared at 314-6.
Renshaw dismissed Bavuma and Cummins took the wicket of Tristan Stubbs.
South Africa were 102-4, needing 319 runs to win.
- Match
- First Test of the series
- Venue
- Durban
- Australia's first innings
- 390
- Australia's second innings
- 314-6 declared
- South Africa's target
- 421 runs
- South Africa at close
- 102-4, with six wickets remaining
Sources
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