Australia Takes Command in First Test Against South Africa with 421-Run Target

Durban, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Australia is on the verge of victory in the first Test match against South Africa, needing just six more wickets to secure a win at Kingsmead in Durban. After setting a formidable target of 421 runs, the Australian team has already claimed four South African wickets by the end of the fourth day, leaving the hosts 319 runs short of their goal.

Winning the toss, Australia batted first and scored 390 runs in their first innings. Matt Renshaw played a pivotal role, scoring 190 runs off 397 balls, including one six and 21 fours. Captain Pat Cummins contributed 43 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne added 37 runs to the total. For South Africa, Vian Mulder was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Marco Jansen claimed three.

In response, South Africa struggled in their first innings, collapsing for just 284 runs. David Beddingham top-scored with 49 runs, and Aiden Markram contributed 37 runs. Simon Harmer remained unbeaten with 35 runs. Cummins led the Australian bowling attack, taking three wickets, supported by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, each claiming two.

With a first-innings lead of 106 runs, Australia declared their second innings at 314 for six, setting South Africa a daunting target of 421 runs. The opening partnership between Nick Maddinson and Travis Head added 43 runs, with Maddinson scoring 48 before being dismissed. Renshaw followed up with 82 runs, while Labuschagne added another 37. South Africa’s bowlers, Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj, each took two wickets.

As play concluded on day four, South Africa managed to score 102 runs for the loss of four wickets after facing 41 overs. They lost their first wicket at just seven runs when Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for two. Markram then steadied the innings, forming a 66-run partnership with Beddingham, who scored 46 runs with eight boundaries. However, South Africa faltered and lost four wickets for just 86 runs. By the end of the day, Markram was not out on 45 runs from 115 balls, having hit seven fours. Hazlewood took two wickets, while Cummins and Renshaw each claimed one.