25 February 2025, Brisbane
Australia won a tense Test match against South Africa by 79 runs on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at Brisbane’s Gabba stadium. The victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Over 25,000 fans watched the five-day game, which ended in dramatic fashion on the final afternoon.
Match Overview
South Africa, led by captain Aiden Markram, chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Australia’s batting lineup struggled early, losing three wickets for 95 runs. However, Marnus Labuschagne (124 runs) and Travis Head (85 runs) rebuilt the innings with a 178-run partnership. Australia finished their first innings at 320 all out. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada took 4 wickets, including Labuschagne’s crucial dismissal.
South Africa replied with 280 runs in their first innings. Markram top-scored with 90 runs, but fast bowler Mitchell Starc’s 5-wicket haul limited their progress. Australia then scored 250 in their second innings, setting a target of 290 for South Africa.
Final Day Drama
South Africa started Day 5 at 112/3, needing 178 more runs. Opener Dean Elgar (67 runs) and Rassie van der Dussen (45 runs) fought hard. But after Starc removed Elgar, South Africa’s middle order collapsed. Spinner Nathan Lyon took 3 quick wickets, and the team was bowled out for 210. Starc was named Player of the Match for his 9 total wickets.
Key Performances
Marnus Labuschagne: His 124 in the first innings anchored Australia’s total.
Mitchell Starc: His fiery bowling (5/72 and 4/58) broke South Africa’s momentum.
Kagiso Rabada: The paceman claimed 7 wickets across both innings.
Post-Match Reactions
Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s resilience. “The partnership between Labuschagne and Head was the turning point. Starc’s experience in crunch moments made the difference,” he said.
Markram expressed disappointment but remained hopeful. “We had chances but didn’t seize them. We’ll regroup for Melbourne,” he stated, referring to the next Test starting on 5 March.
Series Context
This win extends Australia’s unbeaten streak at The Gabba since 1988. South Africa, meanwhile, hasn’t won a Test in Australia since 2012. The second Test in Melbourne is critical for the visitors to stay in contention.
Weather and Pitch Impact
Bright sunshine on Days 1–3 favored batters, but overcast conditions on Day 4 aided swing bowling. The Gabba’s traditionally bouncy pitch became uneven by Day 5, making batting difficult.
Looking Ahead
Australia will aim to secure the series in Melbourne. South Africa must address their batting frailties, especially against short-pitched deliveries. All eyes will be on Rabada and Starc’s duel, as well as Labuschagne’s form, which has now earned him 15 Test centuries.
— Reported by [sportsnews18.com],
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