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Australia beat Proteas by 214 runs in 1st Test at Kingsmead
Australia secured a 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead. Matt Renshaw's massive 190 and Josh Hazlewood's six-wicket haul proved too much for the Proteas.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Australia won by 214 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
- ✓ Matt Renshaw anchored the match with a massive 190 in the first innings.
- ✓ Josh Hazlewood took a career-best 6 for 49 to dismantle the Proteas.
- ✓ Steve Smith broke the world record for most Test catches by a fielder.
The Proteas fell to a heavy 214-run defeat against Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead. Despite some stubborn final-day resistance from Aiden Markram, the tourists were simply too strong across all five days in Durban.
Our Saffas Connect community poll was wildly optimistic, with 100% of the six voters backing a South African win. Unfortunately, the reality was a tough watch for those of us tuning in from the UK, as Australia dictated terms from the moment they elected to bat.
Renshaw sets the tone
Australia won the toss and batted first, amassing 390 in their opening innings. Matt Renshaw was the standout, compiling a brilliant 190 to anchor the tourists. It was a lekker pitch for batting early on, but the Proteas bowlers will rue letting the Australians off the hook after creating early pressure.
The South African attack toiled hard, but Renshaw's patience and application meant the hosts were always chasing the game from day two onwards.
Proteas stumble in reply
South Africa managed 284 in their first innings, falling 106 runs short of Australia's total. Wiaan Mulder top-scored with a gritty 56, while Keshav Maharaj added a valuable 52 lower down the order.
The innings was also notable for a fielding milestone. Steve Smith broke Joe Root's world record for the most catches by a fielder in Tests, taking his 223rd grab to cement his place in cricket history.
The declaration and the chase
Australia raced to 314 for 6 declared in their second innings, scoring quickly to give themselves plenty of time to bowl South Africa out. The tourists cleared the boundary rope nine times in the innings, taking the match total to 16 sixes — a new venue record for Kingsmead.
Set a massive 421 to win, South Africa were always up against it. The top order struggled to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Australian pace attack.
Hazlewood seals it
On day five, Aiden Markram showed immense grit, holding up one end with a defiant 69 not out off 200 balls. However, he ran out of partners as the Australian bowlers ruthlessly worked through the lineup.
Josh Hazlewood was the chief destroyer, claiming a career-best 6 for 49 to bowl South Africa out for 206. The 214-run margin reflects Australia's dominance, leaving the Proteas with plenty to ponder before the second Test.
How the Saffas Connect community called it
6 members made a prediction before kick-off. Here's how the room split:
- Proteas win — 100% (6 picks)
- Aussies win — 0% (0 picks) ← the result
- Draw or Tie — 0% (0 picks)
0 of us (0%) got it right, backing "Aussies win".
Every match-day email carries a one-tap prediction, and the running standings live on the Predictor League page. Correct calls build a streak — the longer it runs, the higher you climb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between South Africa and Australia?
Australia won by 214 runs. Australia scored 390 and 314/6 declared, while South Africa scored 284 and 206.
Who was the standout batsman in the 1st Test?
Australia's Matt Renshaw was the standout performer with the bat. He scored a massive 190 runs in the first innings to set up the victory.
How did Josh Hazlewood perform?
Josh Hazlewood was exceptional in the final innings. He took a career-best 6 wickets for 49 runs to bowl South Africa out on day five.
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