# South Africa wins Test series and reaches number one ranking > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-and-australia-test-cricket-series > Updated: 2026-10-31T07:00:00.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 3. South Africa secured a 2-1 Test series victory against Australia after winning the final match at Newlands in Cape Town by 176 runs. Following an initial loss in Durban, the Proteas bounced back with a win in Gqeberha before clinching the series in the decider. In the final match, centuries from Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton allowed South Africa to set Australia a target of 288 runs. On the final day, Kagiso Rabada took three early wickets, including Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head. Rabada’s dismissal of Head marked his 350th Test wicket, making him the fastest South African bowler in history to reach that milestone in terms of balls bowled, surpassing Dale Steyn. Off-spinner Simon Harmer led the subsequent collapse with career-best figures of 6 for 16, bowling Australia out for 111 and finishing the match with 10 wickets. The series win has had significant implications for international standings. South Africa has ascended to the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings, moving up from third place, while Australia has dropped to second. Additionally, the victory moves South Africa to second place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, with New Zealand moving to the top spot. South African captain Temba Bavuma also achieved a milestone during the series by overtaking Rohit Sharma for the most wins as a captain in the World Test Championship. While Pat Cummins remains the leader with 26 wins, Bavuma now holds the highest winning percentage among top captains at 86.66 percent. ## Claims - Rabada achieved the 350-wicket milestone during the third Test against Australia at Newlands. (reported by 3 sources) - Kagiso Rabada reached 350 Test wickets in 13,808 balls. (reported by 2 sources) - Rabada reached the milestone in his 75th Test match. (reported by 2 sources) - Dale Steyn holds the record for the fastest South African to 350 Test wickets in terms of matches, needing 69 Tests. (reported by 2 sources) - Rabada dismissed Travis Head to complete his 350th wicket. (reported by 2 sources) - Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini are among the other South Africans with at least 350 Test wickets. (reported by 2 sources) - Rabada dismissed Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the first over of the second innings. (reported by 2 sources) - Muthiah Muralidaran is the quickest overall bowler to reach 350 Test wickets, achieving it in 66 Tests. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: South Africa and Australia engage in gripping Test cricket series The Test cricket series between South Africa and Australia continues as a gripping encounter, highlighting the strategic complexities and historical traditions of the sport. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-and-australia-engage-in-gripping-test-cricket-series ### 2026-10-31: South Africa defeats Australia to win Test series 2-1 South Africa won the third Test against Australia by 176 runs to claim the series 2-1, reclaiming the ICC Test number one ranking. 56 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kagiso-rabada-becomes-fastest-bowler-to-350-test-wickets ### 2026-10-25: South Africa levels Test series against Australia South Africa leveled the Test series 1-1 against Australia following an innings victory at St George's Park, driven by Temba Bavuma's 179 and Kagiso Rabada's six-wicket haul. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-levels-test-series-against-australia-3 --- Cite as: South Africa wins Test series and reaches number one ranking. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-africa-and-australia-test-cricket-series