Australia moved to the brink of a commanding victory in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, leaving the hosts in a precarious position heading into the final day. After setting a formidable target of 421, the Australian bowling attack dismantled the South African top order, reducing the home side to 102/4 at stumps on Day 4.
The tourists now require just six wickets on the final day to seal the win, while South Africa face an uphill battle, needing a further 319 runs to complete what would be a remarkable turnaround. Aiden Markram remains the key figure for the hosts, finishing the day unbeaten on 45 alongside Wiaan Mulder.
Australia's aggressive declaration sets up target
Building on a 106-run first-innings lead, Australia dominated the fourth day with a proactive approach to their second innings. Nic Maddinson ignited the scoring with a rapid 48 from just 38 balls, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne provided stability before departing in the morning session.
A late-innings surge from Pat Cummins provided the final momentum for the visitors. Cummins smashed four sixes in a blistering unbeaten 32 from only 12 balls, allowing Australia to declare at 314/6 after adding 140 runs in just 22 overs during the second session. This set South Africa an imposing target of 421 to win the match.
Hazlewood and Cummins strike to leave hosts reeling
The South African response faced immediate pressure when
The pressure continued to mount as Matt Renshaw contributed with the ball, claiming the wicket of South African captain Temba Bavuma. Pat Cummins then utilized a barrage of short-pitched deliveries to unsettle Tristan Stubbs, eventually securing his wicket to leave the hosts four down at the close of play. Hazlewood finished the day with figures of 2/20, spearheading an attack that has put Australia in a dominant position to close out the Test match on the final day.
