The Proteas team defeated Australia at the Newlands stadium, allowing them to take first place in the ICC world ranking and become undisputed Test cricket champions.
When the match started at 15:15, everyone present realized they were witnessing something extraordinary. The team demonstrated the peak of its capabilities and became the best in the world.
In boxing analogies, they possess all available championship belts: they are World Champions of Tests, firmly holding the golden scepter, and now they have dethroned Australia from the ICC rankings.
South Africa played with such resilience and conviction that it was extremely difficult for opponents to counter. From the moment Kagiso Rabada (3/39) dismissed Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in a thrilling first over of the last day, the outcome of the match was predetermined.
They relentlessly pressured the opposition throughout the entire time, especially during the tense morning session, which will be discussed for years to come. Australia lost seven wickets in just 60 runs in this first session, and the target of 288 runs turned into a mathematical trifle.
All the morning wickets were taken by Rabada and the unstoppable Simon Harmer. Their dynamic was perfect, where Rabada's pace combined with Harmer's deception, leading to Australia's defeat.
Pat Cummins tried to keep his team in the game mid-day through tenacious defense. However, ultimately the Australian captain fell when Harmer (6/16) took his fifth wicket in the innings.
Nathan Lyon lasted longer than expected, but his resistance only delayed the inevitable before Harmer ended Australia's resistance at tea break by cleanly dismissing Josh Hazlewood, which was the decisive moment.
The figures show that Harmer achieved career-best figures of 6/16, concluding his first match with ten wickets. Australia was bowled out for 111 runs and lost by 176 runs, thus ending the series 2-1.
However, this victory meant much more than just the score. It was a statement that the Proteas are truly the best Test team in the world, and there is no doubt about it.