South Africa declared on 425-9 before reducing Australia to 3-1 at stumps on day three, leaving the visitors trailing by 422 runs at St George’s Park.

Rabada, playing his first competitive match since May after recovering from a hamstring injury, struck with his fourth delivery to dismiss Nic Maddinson for a duck. The Australian opener edged to Simon Harmer, with Rabada completing a wicket maiden.

Rolls Royce yeMzansi Ubuyile 🚨

Kagiso Rabada wastes no time with ball in hand 😤💥

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Travis Head (1* off seven balls) and nightwatchman Scott Boland (2* off 13) survived the remaining overs as fading light prevented the Proteas from continuing with their fast bowlers.

Earlier, captain Temba Bavuma produced a career-best 179 off 334 balls to rescue South Africa from a precarious position.

Resuming on 97-5, the hosts slipped to 110-6 when Wiaan Mulder departed, but Marco Jansen launched a counter-attack with 85 off 100 balls, including nine fours and three sixes.

Jansen and Bavuma added 132 for the seventh wicket before Simon Harmer joined his captain to further frustrate the Australians.

Harmer struck 82 off 157 balls in a record eighth-wicket partnership with Bavuma, helping the Proteas recover from their early collapse and put themselves in a commanding position.

Boland completed a five-wicket haul for Australia, while Marnus Labuschagne dismissed Harmer and Mitchell Starc removed Bavuma shortly before the declaration.

Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0, face a daunting task heading into day four.

Temba Bavuma reflects on a hard-fought day with the bat 🇿🇦🏏

#SAvAUS | #SSCricket https://t.co/rzWZKQI5ek

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2026