Shillong: Australia declared their second innings at 314 for six on Monday in Durban, handing South Africa a massive 421-run target. The visitors accelerated quickly at Kingsmead, scoring at 5.41 runs per over. They finished their first innings with 390, while South Africa posted 284 in reply.
Matt Renshaw anchored the attack with 82 runs off 99 balls. He utilized the sweep and reverse-sweep shots to frustrate the bowling unit. Spinner Keshav Maharaj finally stopped him with a return catch. Nic Maddinson scored 48 off 38 balls, providing the team a fast start. Marnus Labuschagne added 37. He fell for that same score in both innings.
Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj each took two wickets for the hosts. Pat Cummins provided a late surge, hitting an unbeaten 32 off 12 deliveries. He blasted three sixes in one over against Simon Harmer. Beau Webster stayed not out on 39. South Africa now faces a track with variable bounce and significant turn. The team must survive a difficult fourth-innings chase against a pace attack spearheaded by Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa struggled during their first innings, where David Bedingham managed 49 runs. Cummins finished that stint with three wickets for 54 runs. Australia expects to seal the series opener. As the pitch breaks down, they believe they have the edge. Agencies reported, "Australia will back themselves to exploit the conditions and push for victory."
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