Australia seized control of the first Test in Durban on the fourth day, placing themselves just six wickets away from a victory. Driven by a disciplined batting performance and a rapid scoring burst in the second session, the tourists set South Africa a daunting target of 421 runs. By the close of play, the home side was struggling at 102/4, facing a massive uphill battle to save the match on the final day. For a change, bad light didn’t come in the way of the final session and Australia made more merry.
Starting the day with a 106-run first-innings lead, Australia aggressively looked to extend their advantage. Nic Maddinson maintained the momentum he established the previous evening, firing a quick 48 off 38 balls before an exceptional yorker from Anrich Nortje ended his innings. Despite losing Travis Head early, the Australian momentum continued through partnerships involving Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who accelerated the scoring rate. Australia managed to add 141 runs during the morning session despite losing four wickets. Australia went into Day 4 sitting high and mighty after their bowlers earned them a 106-run first-innings lead. Who started with a four and threw his bat around under fading light on Day 3, came out with similar intentions on Day 4, opener Nic Maddinson. He hit Jansen for a four and Simon Harmer for a six to swiftly move into the 40s. Sending him back for a 38-ball 48, it took an exceptional yorker from Anrich Nortje to take out the counter-attacking opener. Adding another 50-run stand, steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then got together and moved the lead along at brisk pace.
Matt Renshaw anchored the second session with a composed 82 off 99 balls, following his first-innings century. After key partnerships with Alex Carey and Beau Webster, Renshaw fell to a sharp return catch from Keshav Maharaj. With the lead well over 350, captain Pat Cummins provided a late surge, smashing four sixes in a 12-ball cameo of 32 not out. Cummins declared the innings at 314/6, setting South Africa an imposing target of 421 runs. During this phase, Australia managed to score 140 runs in just 22 overs.
South Africa’s second innings began under pressure, though Aiden Markram and David Bedingham offered a period of defiance that lasted nearly 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood eventually broke the partnership, trapping Bedingham lbw to open the door for the Australian bowlers. The situation turned dire for the hosts when Matt Renshaw, demonstrating his versatility, dismissed Temba Bavuma caught at forward short leg. Soon after, Cummins claimed the wicket of Tristan Stubbs, who edged a full delivery behind to Alex Carey. Wiaan Mulder and Markram managed to survive the final 50 balls of the day to reach stumps.
The match situation remains firmly in Australia’s favor, with the visitors leading by 319 runs overall. The final-day scorecard shows Australia finished their first innings at 390, led by Renshaw’s 190 and Cummins’ 43, while Wiaan Mulder claimed 4-68. South Africa’s first innings yielded 284, and they now require a monumental effort to chase down or block out the remainder of the 421-run target. With Josh Hazlewood taking 2-20 and Renshaw adding 1-16, Australia remains heavily favored to secure the win when play resumes.
