South Africa vs Australia, SA vs AUS, Today Match Prediction

RSA vs AUS Match Prediction & Analysis

The three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia reaches a thrilling climax at Newlands in Cape Town to be played from 27th to 31st October, with the contest locked at 1-1. 

Australia claimed a comprehensive 214 run victory in the opening Test in Durban, powered by Matt Renshaw’s twin scores of 190 and 82. South Africa responded emphatically in Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs after Temba Bavuma’s career-best 179 and a collective bowling effort that twice dismissed the visitors. 

In terms of head-to-head records, there have been a total of 102 matches played between the two teams with Australia leading with 55 wins to South Africa’s 26 wins. A series win is on the line for both sides in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at one of cricket’s most picturesque venues.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

RSA

W L W W W

RSA

425/9 in 127.1 3.34

SA vs AUS

South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs 18 Oct 2026

AUS

99/10 in 42.3 2.33

RSA

284/10 in 78.0 3.64

SA vs AUS

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs 09 Oct 2026

AUS

390/10 in 137.2 2.84

IND

201/10 in 83.5 2.4

IND vs SA 2025

South Africa beat India by 408 runs 22 Nov 2025

RSA

140/10 in 63.5 2.19

IND

189/10 in 62.2 3.03

IND vs SA 2025

South Africa won by 30 runs 14 Nov 2025

RSA

93/10 in 35.0 2.66

PAK

333/10 in 113.4 2.93

PAK vs SA 2025

South Africa beat Pakistan by 9 wickets 20 Oct 2025

RSA

73/1 in 12.3 5.84

AUS

L W W L W

RSA

425/9 in 127.1 3.34

SA vs AUS

South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs 18 Oct 2026

AUS

99/10 in 42.3 2.33

RSA

284/10 in 78.0 3.64

SA vs AUS

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs 09 Oct 2026

AUS

390/10 in 137.2 2.84

AUS

210/10 in 52.3 4

AUS vs BAN 2026

Australia beat Bangladesh by 51 runs 22 Aug 2026

BAN

64/10 in 34.0 1.88

AUS

198/10 in 53.0 3.74

AUS vs BAN 2026

Bangladesh beat Australia by 9 wickets 13 Aug 2026

BAN

426/10 in 138.0 3.09

AUS

567/10 in 133.5 4.24

The Ashes, 2025-26

Australia won by 5 wickets 04 Jan 2026

ENG

161/5 in 31.2 5.14

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

South Africa Preview

South Africa head into the series deciding third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, with momentum after a stunning comeback victory in the second Test. They levelled the series 1-1 by thrashing Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, bouncing back from a heavy 214 run defeat in the opening Test in Durban.

Temba Bavuma has been the standout batter with 183 runs in three innings at an average of 61, including a career-best 179 in the second Test that turned the match around from a precarious position. Marco Jansen has contributed usefully with the bat (including 85 in the second Test) while leading the bowling charts with 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 18. 

Wiaan Mulder has been equally effective, taking 9 wickets at 18.88, and Simon Harmer added a valuable 82 in the second Test alongside solid lower-order contributions. Aiden Markram, David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton have provided starts, though consistency higher up remains a work in progress after some early collapses.

The bowling attack has been sharp and effective. Jansen’s five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings in Gqeberha was decisive, while Kagiso Rabada (returning strongly with 4 wickets in the second Test second innings) and Mulder have shared the spoils.

South Africa Predicted Playing XI:

Aiden Markram, Marques Ackermann, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

Australia Preview

Australia arrive at Newlands needing a strong response after an emphatic first Test win was followed by a comprehensive innings defeat that levelled the series. They dominated in Durban with a 214 run victory built around a massive total, but collapsed to 99 in the first innings in Gqeberha and were forced to follow on, eventually falling short despite a fighting second innings effort.

Matt Renshaw has been the clear standout with 295 runs in four innings at an average of 73.75, including a magnificent 190 and 82 in the first Test that earned him Player of the Match. Travis Head has scored 155 runs in four innings (average 38.75), highlighted by a combative 121 in the second Test second innings. 

Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and others have had mixed returns, with the middle order struggling to build substantial partnerships at times. Lower-order contributions from the likes of Pat Cummins and the tail have occasionally rescued innings.

Bowling remains a major strength. Josh Hazlewood leads the Australian wicket-takers with 8 wickets in three innings at 18.25. Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland (five-wicket haul in the second Test) and Pat Cummins have all chipped in effectively, with Nathan Lyon providing spin support.

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather in Newlands is going to be clear to partly cloudy skies with mild to warm conditions. High temperatures are expected to touch around 24-28°C, with lows likely to fall near about 19-18°C. Very low chance of rain throughout the period with less than 10% chance of rain on most days.

RSA vs AUS Pitch Report

The pitch is generally balanced but leans towards assisting seamers, especially early on. Pacers can extract good bounce, carry and some movement with the new ball, particularly under cooler or overcast conditions. Once the surface settles, it offers true bounce that allows batters to score, though collapses remain possible. Spinners can play a role later as the pitch wears and offers some grip.

Toss: To Bowl

The captain who win the toss might want to bowl first. This is an important game in the context of the series with it tied 1-1. The last 3 Tests at the Newlands have been won by the bowling first team.