Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on October 13, 2026, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Matt Renshaw starred with the bat, while Josh Hazlewood delivered a decisive spell on the final day to complete Australia's victory.
Chasing a target of 421, South Africa were bowled out for 206 in their second innings. Aiden Markram offered determined resistance with 75 off 237 balls, but Australia's bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the final day's play.
The victory gives Australia an early advantage in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series and leaves South Africa looking to respond in the second Test.
AUS vs SA 1st Test Score Summary
Result: Australia won by 214 runs
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
Dates: October 9–13, 2026
Player of the Match: Matt Renshaw
Australia 1st innings: 390 all out (137.2 overs)
South Africa 1st innings: 284 all out (78 overs)
Australia 2nd innings: 314/6 declared (58 overs)
South Africa 2nd innings: 206 all out
Target: 421 runs
Matt Renshaw Leads Australia's Batting Revival
Australia's first innings was built around an outstanding 190 from Matt Renshaw, who rescued his side after early wickets left them struggling at 124/6.
Renshaw showed patience and excellent concentration during his 397-ball innings, hitting 21 fours and a six. His effort helped Australia recover from a difficult position and reach 390 all out.
Captain Pat Cummins contributed 43, while Nathan Lyon added 27 during a crucial ninth-wicket partnership with Renshaw. Their resistance gave Australia a competitive total after the top order had struggled.
South Africa's Wiaan Mulder was the leading wicket-taker in the innings, claiming four wickets for 68 runs. Marco Jansen picked up three wickets, while Anrich Nortje took two.
South Africa Respond with 284
South Africa replied with 284 in their first innings, conceding a lead of 106 runs to the visitors.
David Bedingham scored 49, while Aiden Markram made 37. Tristan Stubbs contributed 32, and Simon Harmer remained unbeaten on 35 to help the hosts reach a respectable total.
Cummins led Australia's bowling effort with three wickets. Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets each, while Beau Webster picked up one.
Although South Africa recovered from losing early wickets, they could not erase Australia's first-innings advantage.
Australia Set a Target of 421
Australia strengthened their position in the second innings by declaring at 314/6 after 58 overs.
Renshaw continued his impressive performance with 82 off 99 balls, adding another substantial contribution to his first-innings 190. Nic Maddinson scored 48 from 38 deliveries, while Marnus Labuschagne added 37.
Cummins and Beau Webster provided late runs to ensure Australia set South Africa a challenging target of 421.
Renshaw's combined 272 runs across the two innings proved decisive in shaping the outcome of the Test.
Josh Hazlewood Finishes the Job
South Africa began their fourth-innings chase under pressure and reached 102/4 at stumps on Day 4. The hosts needed another 319 runs on the final morning, with Markram and the remaining batters facing a demanding task.
Markram fought hard, scoring 75 from 237 deliveries, while Wiaan Mulder added 29. Their resistance briefly delayed Australia's victory, but Hazlewood changed the course of the innings with a decisive spell.
The Australian fast bowler finished with figures of 6/49, dismantling the lower order as South Africa lost their remaining wickets. Starc also removed Markram, while Renshaw contributed with the ball by dismissing Kyle Verreynne.
South Africa were eventually dismissed for 206, giving Australia a comprehensive 214-run victory. Hazlewood's performance on the final day ensured the visitors converted their first-innings advantage into a series lead.
Player of the Match: Matt Renshaw
Renshaw was named Player of the Match after scoring 190 in the first innings and 82 in the second. His ability to rebuild Australia's innings and then score more quickly in the second innings made him the standout performer of the contest.
Hazlewood's six-wicket haul was equally important in securing the result, particularly after South Africa showed some resistance during the final day's opening session.
What Next for Australia and South Africa?
The second Test is scheduled to begin on October 18 at St George's Park in Gqeberha, with the third Test set to take place in Cape Town from October 27.
Australia will aim to extend their advantage and move closer to a series victory. South Africa, meanwhile, will need a stronger batting performance to level the series.
The opening Test highlighted Australia's ability to recover from early batting trouble and apply sustained pressure with the ball. For South Africa, Markram's determined innings offered some encouragement, but the team will need greater contributions across the batting order in the next match.
