South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs to seal Test series

The teams arrived at Newlands in Cape Town with the series level at one win each. South Africa had already lost fast bowler Anrich Nortje to a groin injury, Times now reported on October 24.

Australia also went into the decider without Steve Smith. He failed a late fitness test after a neck injury, with Josh Inglis replacing him, according to ABC Australia. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl on October 27, the BBC reported.

South Africa made a strong start on October 27, reaching 203 for one before collapsing to 329 all out. Mitchell Starc claimed his 20th five-wicket haul, Sky Sports reported. His final figures were six for 72, according to the BBC.

Australia took control on October 28. Inglis finished the second day unbeaten on 85 as the visitors reached 330 for four, already one run ahead, Sky Sports reported. His partnership with Alex Carey helped rebuild the innings, according to Guardian Sport.

On October 29, Inglis completed his second Test century, scoring 102 in Australia's total of 429, according to Times of India. South Africa then closed on 140 for four, only 40 runs ahead, after the dismissals of Ackerman for 62 and Bavuma for 35, The Guardian reported.

The match turned on October 30. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck centuries as South Africa reached 387, leaving Australia a target of 288 on the final day, according to Sky Sports. Mulder reached his hundred during a final-wicket partnership with Kagiso Rabada, the BBC reported.

Australia's chase unravelled on October 31. Rabada and Simon Harmer shared six wickets as the visitors slumped to 60 for seven by lunch, according to Associated Press. Australia were eventually bowled out for 111 in the second session, Times of India reported.

South Africa won by 176 runs and took the series 2-1. Harmer finished with six for 16 and Rabada three for 39 in Australia's second innings, according to the BBC. Rickelton's 101 and Mulder's 115 had given those bowlers a winning target to defend.

The hosts recovered from losing the opening Test to win the series, The Hindu reported. The result also moved South Africa above Australia to the top of the Test world rankings, according to Times of India.