South Africa triumphed over Australia by 176 runs at Newlands to clinch the three-match series 2-1 and ascend to the peak of the Test rankings.

This match saw Kagiso Rabada dismantle the Australian batting lineup right from the start, achieving his 350th Test wicket in the first over. Simon Harmer further solidified South Africa's dominance by claiming six wickets in the innings, leaving Australia struggling at 111 runs, in pursuit of a target of 288.

Key moments included:

• Matt Renshaw was dismissed for a golden duck, caught by Ryan Rickelton.
• Marnus Labuschagne fell lbw for just four runs, while Travis Head managed only 14 before being caught at gully.
• Rabada's achievement made him the fastest bowler to reach 350 Test wickets by balls bowled, doing so in 13,808 deliveries.

Australia's batting woes continued as Josh Inglis, having scored in the first innings, was run out for four after a miscommunication with Cameron Green. The visitors found themselves in disarray at 60-7 at lunch, with Harmer wreaking havoc.

By the conclusion, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon attempted a brief resistance with a 45-run partnership, but their efforts were in vain as Harmer wrapped up the innings.

South Africa's victory was set up on day four, where Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder formed a crucial 154-run sixth-wicket partnership, turning a 100-run first-innings deficit into a formidable target. The series saw Australia win the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, while South Africa bounced back to win in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs, ultimately securing the decider in Cape Town.