Set 288 to win the deciding Test, Australia were dismissed for 111 shortly before tea, with Kagiso Rabada’s opening burst setting up a memorable final day for South Africa.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Temba Bavuma’s team, who recovered from a 214-run defeat in Durban with successive wins in Gqeberha and Cape Town.

Australia began the final day needing 288 runs to win the Test and the series, but Rabada struck twice in the opening over.

The fast bowler removed Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne before dismissing Travis Head to reduce the tourists to 22-3 and put South Africa firmly on top.

There was a personal milestone for Rabada, too. He became the fastest bowler to reach 350 Test wickets in terms of deliveries, getting there in 13,808 balls to better Dale Steyn’s record of 14,719.

Harmer then took over. The off-spinner exploited the turning surface to finish with six wickets, while Rabada returned 3-39. Pat Cummins resisted for 90 deliveries for his 11 before also falling to Harmer. The result lifted South Africa to the top of the Test rankings for the first time since January 2016.

The emphatic finish followed four days in which both teams had opportunities to take the match away from the other.

Marques Ackerman’s 95 and Aiden Markram’s 78 had given South Africa a strong start in their first innings. David Bedingham added 50 and Marco Jansen 52, but Mitchell Starc’s 6-72 restricted the hosts to 329.

Australia responded with 429, Josh Inglis leading the way with 102. Alex Carey contributed 80, Renshaw 74 and Cameron Green 65 to establish a first-innings advantage of 100. Harmer took four wickets to keep South Africa in the contest.

The decisive batting response came from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder.

Their sixth-wicket partnership of 154 gave South Africa the time and runs they desperately needed. Against an experienced Australian attack, the pair spent 53 overs together, gradually turning a precarious position into a genuine opportunity to win.

Rickelton made 101 and Mulder 115 as the Proteas reached 387, leaving Australia a target of 288 on the final day.

They had given their bowlers a chance. Rabada and Harmer made it a series victory.

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