Perth: South African paceman Kagiso Rabada picked a five-fer as South Africa registered a comprehensive 177-run win against Australia at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground. Chasing a formidable 538-run target, the hosts were bowled out for 361 runs on Day 5. Dale Steyn's absence in the second innings didn't hurt the Proteas, who now have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Day 5: As it happened:
Over 119.1 | Score 361/10 | (Nevill 60*)
It's all over for the Aussies. Maharaj, who was wicketless so far despite bowling with a disciplined line, was finally rewarded as he trapped Lyon in front of the wicket. Neville remains unbeaten on 60 and the Aussies have plenty to ponder over ahead of the second Test match.
NM Lyon lbw b Maharaj 8 (26m 22b)
Over 115 | Score 354/9 | (Nevill 55*, Lyon 6*)
Temba Bavuma picked his first wicket of the match when Hazlewood gave an easy catch to Dean Elgar at short midwicket. The wicket ended the 65-run stand for the ninth wicket between Nevill and Hazlewood. Ealier, Nevill scored two boundaries off Duminy to reach his third Test fifty. It's now about time that the visitors take a 1-0 lead.
JR Hazlewood c Elgar b Bavuma 29 (71b)
Over 105 | Score 310/8 | (Nevill 37*, Hazlewood 16*)
Nevill and Hazlewood have done well so far for the Australians. Nevill was already batting well and he has got a good partner in Hazlewood. These two are stitching a frustrating partnership for the visitors. After losing Siddle's wicket, this duo has added unbeaten 30 runs for the ninth wicket partnership.
Over 95 | Score 281/8 | (Nevill 25*, Hazlewood 0*)
Philander picked his first wicket of the day when he trapped Siddle in front of the wicket. A full delivery kept low and swung into Siddle who was clueless. As wickets are tumbling from one end, wicketkeeper batsman Peter Nevill is holding the innings from the other end. South Africa are just two wickets away from a much-deserved win.
PM Siddle lbw b Philander 13 (32b)
Over 84 | Score 263/7 | (Nevill 20*, Siddle 0*)
Rabada completed his much-deserved five-wicket haul as Starc was the next man to depart. He was caught on the backfoot and South Africa are now just three wickets away from a brilliant victory. Rabada has bowled his heart out in this Test, especially in Dale Steyn's absence, the youngster deserves a lot of credit. Australia now need a miracle to save this Test match.
MA Starc lbw b Rabada 13 (24b)
Over 80 | Score 253/6 | (Nevill 17*, Starc 6*)
After batting so well, Khawaja was finally dismissed by Duminy. The left-hander was playing for some turn, but the ball nipped into him and hit him in front of the wickets. A review couldn't save Khawaja. Another Australian departs for 97. Hosts are in big trouble now.
Over 70 | Score 215/5 | (Khawaja 77*, Nevill 10*)
Rabada, who picked three wickets on Day 4, once again got the first breakthrough of the day for the visitors when he trapped Marsh in front of the wicket. Faf immediately reviewed it after the field umpire wasn't convinced. As per the new DRS rule, the ball would have marginally hit the stumps which is why Marsh had to go. Peter Nevill is the new man in. Khawaja is fighting a lone battle for his team and he needs to carry on for as long as possible.
MR Marsh lbw b Rabada 26 (52b)
Over 60 | Score 182/4 | (Khawaja 62*, Marsh 20*)
Khawaja and Marsh, the two unbeaten Australian batsmen from Day 4, have made a cautious start to the final day. Khawaja will have to bat for at least two sessions from Australia's perspective.
Set an intimidating victory target of 539, the home side were wobbling on 169 for four at stumps and facing a potential record defeat against South Africa.
Usman Khawaja was on 58 and Mitchell Marsh on 15, with South Africa`s unbeaten record at the ground set to be extended.
An extraordinary piece of fielding by the diminutive Temba Bavuma removed the dangerous David Warner for 35 to end an opening stand of 52.
Warner dropped the ball in front of him and set off for a quick single, but Bavuma pounced from cover and unleashed a powerful throw while horizontal and still in mid-air.
It rattled the stumps at the non-striker`s end with Warner centimetres out of his ground.
The dismissal set the stage for Rabada (3-49) to display his quality in the absence of champion pacemen Dale Steyn due to a shoulder injury suffered on the first day.
Four balls later fellow opener Shaun Marsh (15) was caught at second slip by Faf du Plessis off the bowling of Rabada as Australia suddenly slumped to 52-2.
Things appeared to get even darker for the hosts when new batsman Khawaja was given out caught behind first ball against the part-time spin of JP Duminy.
A decision review saved Khawaja when it showed the ball had glanced off his pad rather than the bat.
