Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the 1st Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Josh Hazlewood ripped through the tail with a career-best 6 for 49, and South Africa, chasing 421, were all out for 206 soon after lunch on the final day.
The win was built on one innings. Matt Renshaw walked in with Australia in early trouble on Day 1 and stayed for 397 balls, making 190. He added 82 in the second innings, picked up two wickets with his part-time off-spin and was named Player of the Match.
SA vs AUS 1st Test Result: Scorecard Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 390 (Renshaw 190) | 314/6 dec (Renshaw 82, Maddinson 48) |
| South Africa | 284 (Bedingham 49; Cummins 3/54) | 206 (Markram 75; Hazlewood 6/49) |
Result: Australia won by 214 runs. Player of the Match: Matt Renshaw.
Renshaw Rescues Australia From 124 for 6
For most of the first day, South Africa looked like the better side. Pat Cummins chose to bat, and the home seamers made full use of the help on offer. Nic Maddinson blocked out 33 balls without scoring before chopping Marco Jansen onto his stumps. Wiaan Mulder removed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Jansen got Steve Smith, and Anrich Nortje struck twice in three balls to send back Alex Carey and Beau Webster.
At 124 for 6, Australia were staring at a total of around 200. Renshaw had other ideas. He found a willing partner in Cummins, the pair put on an unbroken 63 before bad light ended play, and on Day 2 Renshaw kept going until Australia had 390 on the board. When South Africa’s best batter in reply managed only 49, it was clear how much that innings was worth.
South Africa Fall Short With the Bat
South Africa needed a big reply and never got close. David Bedingham made 49, but no one stayed with him long enough. Cummins took 3 for 54 and Mitchell Starc 2 for 63 as the hosts were bowled out for 284, handing Australia a lead of 106.
Australia then batted like a side that knew it was in control. Renshaw made 82, Maddinson put his first-innings duck behind him with a quick 48 off 38 balls, and Cummins hit 32 off just 12 balls before declaring at 314 for 6. The only worry came when Smith was hit on the helmet by a Nortje bouncer during his 27. He went through a concussion check and was cleared.
Also Read: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report
Hazlewood Ends the Fight on Day 5
A target of 421 meant South Africa were playing to save the game. They lost Ryan Rickelton early, and Hazlewood trapped Bedingham lbw for 46. Renshaw then had Temba Bavuma caught at short leg for his first Test wicket, and Cummins removed Tristan Stubbs. South Africa closed Day 4 on 102 for 4.
Aiden Markram held them together on the final morning with a gritty 75, and the hosts went to lunch on 166 for 6. The end came quickly after that. Starc had Markram caught behind after an Australian review, and Hazlewood took over. He bowled Jansen and had Simon Harmer caught by Carey for a duck, and South Africa lost their last four wickets for just five runs.
Star Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Renshaw | Australia | 190 and 82, plus 2 wickets |
| Josh Hazlewood | Australia | 6/49, his best figures in Test cricket |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 3/54 and a 12-ball 32 |
| Aiden Markram | South Africa | 75 in the second innings |
| David Bedingham | South Africa | 49 and 46 |
Renshaw, playing his first Test in a long time, summed up his week simply. “Pretty tired to be honest. It’s been a long five days and it’s been a long time since I played a five-day Test match,” he said.
What Next for SA vs AUS Test Series?
This was Australia’s first Test in South Africa since 2018, and they could not have asked for a better return. For South Africa, who beat Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in 2025, the problems are clear. The top order struggled in both innings, and the bowlers let Australia off the hook after having them at 124 for 6.
The 2nd Test starts on Sunday, October 18, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha (1:30 PM IST). South Africa must win there to keep the series alive. The 3rd Test will be played at Newlands, Cape Town, from October 27.
For the officials who stood in this match, read the SA vs AUS 1st Test umpires and commentators list. The Kingsmead pitch report explains how the surface was expected to play.
