Hazlewood takes 6 for 49 as Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in Durban

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, on Tuesday, with Josh Hazlewood taking 6 for 49 as South Africa were bowled out for 206 chasing 421. Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0.

It was the first Test between the two sides since South Africa beat Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's, which makes the margin all the more pointed.

Scorecard in short

• Australia: 390 and 314 for 6 declared
• South Africa: 284 and 206 (target 421)
• Result: Australia won by 214 runs
• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban, 9 to 13 October 2026

How the last day went

South Africa resumed on 102 for 4 and needed to bat out the day. Aiden Markram dug in for 75 off 237 balls and added 69 for the fifth wicket with Wiaan Mulder (29), a stand that used up 205 balls, Business Recorder reported in its Reuters match report. South Africa were 166 for 6 at lunch.

The second new ball ended it. Hazlewood, 35, struck twice in one over with it and finished with six wickets, including Marco Jansen (35), Simon Harmer, Markram, Mulder and, last of all, Anrich Nortje. Markram fell caught behind off Mitchell Starc after a television review, and Alex Carey took a diving catch to remove Mulder.

Renshaw and Smith

Matt Renshaw, whose 190 in the first innings set up the match, chipped in with his part-time spin, removing Kyle Verreynne for a duck, caught at slip by Steve Smith. Smith had not fielded in Monday's late session after being hit on the head while batting; Cricket Australia said he was cleared after concussion checks and he returned on Tuesday.

What it means

Australia take an early grip on a series that matters for World Test Championship points, the same table Pakistan are playing for. Pakistan's own Test season starts with two Tests against Sri Lanka, whose squad was named today: Sri Lanka Test squad vs Pakistan.

Next Test

The second Test starts on 18 October at St George's Park, Gqeberha, at 1pm Pakistan time, streaming on Tapmad in Pakistan subject to rights. Today's fixtures and live scores are on our cricket desk.