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Australia hands a humbling defeat to South Africa inside two days at Gabba

image-lbt4lhqzPat Cummins took a five-for in second innings (Source: Twitter)

Australia secured a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the 1st fixture of the three-Test match series at Gabba. 

Australia gain a sizeable lead in 1st innings

In a pitch tailormade for pacers, Australia's decision to bowl first went in their favour as they reduced South Africa to 27/4, with skipper Dean Elgar (3) and Rassie Van der Dussen (5) back in the hut. However, a 98-run stand between Temba Bavuma (38) and Kyle Verreynne (64) helped Proteas to finish on 152. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon bagged three wickets each for the host. 

Australia had a bad start, with quick wickets of David Warner (0), Usman Khawaja (11) and Marnus Labuschagne (11). Nevertheless, contributions from Steve Smith (36) and Travis Head (92) paved the way for them to be scoring 218, and taking a lead of 66 runs. 

Aussie pacers fire in tandem to stun South Africa

The second innings witnessed Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc at their absolute best with their opening spell to put Proteas in a spot of bother at 3/5.  

The experienced Bavuma (29) again came for the rescue of the team, while getting support from Khaya Zondo (36*). However, Cummins and Co. wrapped up South Africa's innings for 99. 

Chasing only 34, Khawaja (2) and Warner (3) failed to live up to the expectations. Australia's key run-scorers in first innings, Smith (6) and Head (0) also fell early. In the end, Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 5 to take the team home. Interestingly, all four wickets were taken by Rabada. 

Brief Scores:

South Africa (1st innings) -152/10

Kyle Verreynne 64 (96), Temba Bavuma 38 (70);
Nathan Lyon 3/14, Mitchell Starc 3/41

Australia (1st innings) - 218/10

Travis Head 92 (96), Steve Smith 36 (68);
Kagiso Rabada 4/76, Marco Jansen 3/32

South Africa (2nd innings) - 99/10

Khaya  Zondo 36* (85), Temba Bavuma 29 (61);
Pat Cummins 5/42, Scott Boland 2/14

Australia (2nd innings) - 35/4

Steve Smith 6 (5), Marnus Labuschagne 5* (16);
Kagiso Rabada 4/13

Result: Australia won by six wickets

Read more: Mitchell Starc becomes the 5th Australian pacer to pick 300 wickets in Test cricket