South Africa have levelled their Test series with Australia after winning the second Test by an innings and 31 runs.

Travis Head (121) and nightwatchman Scott Boland (40) looked to inspire a draw for the tourists, but Kagiso Rabada (4-77) and Wiaan Mulder (3-64) starred to bowl them out for 295 on day five.

The start of the final day was delayed due to rain, and Australia looked to make the most of that advantage as Head quickly brought up his century while Boland blocked everything that came his way at the other end.

Mulder eventually bowled Head before Rabada ended Steve Smith's (3) brief stay at the crease, and the wickets soon started to tumble.

After Mulder finally dismissed Boland, Australia captain Pat Cummins (4) quickly followed before Rabada sent Mitchell Starc's (11) stumps flying.

Marco Jansen (1-34) then sealed the impressive victory with the wicket of Josh Hazlewood (0), who lasted just two deliveries.

 MATCH RESULT  What a phenomenal game, what an incredible display from #TheProteas! An absolutely heart-stopping performance!  Bavuma led the way with the bat, and our bowlers ran riot with the ball!  #TheProteas level the series 1-1 with a comprehensive victory by an innings and 31 runs!  #Unbreakable #SAvAUS

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 22, 2026

South Africa's seamers step up

The Proteas set themselves up for victory with a strong performance on day four, but the rain, which also heavily affected days one and two, threatened to force a draw.

Anrich Nortje could not recover from his groin injury for the final day, but South Africa's other fast bowlers stepped up.

Mulder arguably picked up the two most important wickets of set batter Head and Boland, who put on a partnership of 59 from 162 balls, though Rabada's quick dismissal of Smith massively boosted their confidence.

Jansen, who took a five-wicket haul in the first innings, then sealed the win to condemn Australia to their first innings defeat since 2023.

South Africa have now closed in on Australia and New Zealand at the top of the World Test Championship, but the tourists still remain first for the time being.