Harmer's Prophecy and Rabada's Wrath: How South Africa Crushed Australia by 176 Runs in Cape Town

Fifth day, first morning at Newlands, Cape Town. Australia's last batsman Josh Hazlewood was holding fort at the crease. Simon Harmer tossed the ball up, it landed on leg stump, turned away from the left-hander and clipped the middle and off stumps. Hazlewood out. Australia's innings collapsed for 111. South Africa won the match by 176 runs and clinched the series 2-1. This was the same Harmer who had told SEN Cricket before the match that a lead of 120 was "defendable", 150 was "par" and anything over 200 was "gold". Proving his own prophecy right, Harmer took six wickets for 16 runs in 21.1 overs in the second innings. He ran through Australia's middle and lower order and gave the hosts a 176-run victory. Harmer finished the match with 10 wickets for 120 runs — his maiden ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. But the first chapter of this story was written by Kagiso Rabada. On the final morning, Rabada dismissed Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the very first over. Then Travis Head also returned to the pavilion soon. Thus the backbone of the Australian innings was broken and the path was cleared for Harmer. At the start of the match, South Africa batted first and scored 329 runs. Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman and David Bedingham scored half-centuries. In reply, Australia scored 429 in their first innings. Josh Inglis scored a century and Alex Carey made 80 off 168 balls. Thus Australia got a 100-run lead. In the second innings, South Africa's start was poor and at one point the team had lost three wickets for 95 runs. But Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder steadied the ship. Rickelton scored 101 off 219 balls and Mulder made 115 off 221 balls. Their partnership took the match to a thrilling turn. Australia were set a target of 288 runs to win. Based on their first-innings performance, many considered Australia favourites. But Rabada used his experience. He dismissed Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the very first over of the final morning. Then Travis Head also fell early. Thus the backbone of the Australian innings was broken and the path was cleared for Harmer. Harmer maintained a consistent length in his bowling and made subtle variations in pace. He said, "The wickets haven't offered much turn as expected on days four and five. I ask myself if I have bowled well enough. In PE (2nd Test), I was desperate for wickets. I try to bowl with control in the first innings and exploit and take wickets in the second. Was nice to just bowl freely and try to do your thing." This win is a big achievement for South Africa. They made a comeback after losing the first Test and won the series. Rabada completed 350 Test wickets in this match and overtook Dale Steyn. This win at Newlands once again proved that bowlers dominate in Test cricket. The duo of Harmer and Rabada bundled out Australia for 111. This win is a strong message for South Africa ahead of upcoming series.