Our South Africa vs Australia match prediction backs the hosts, who hold a 53% win probability against Australia’s 47%. Momentum is the main reason. South Africa arrive at Newlands after beating Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, powered by Temba Bavuma’s 179, and they have won four of their last five games. This preview covers the toss, pitch, weather, head-to-head record, squads and fantasy cricket tips for the clash.
South Africa vs Australia Match Details
Match | South Africa vs Australia | 3rd Test | Australia tour of South Africa |
Date | 27/10/2026 (Tuesday) |
Time | BDT 2:30 PM / PKT 1:30 PM / INR 2:00 PM |
Format | Test |
Venue | Newlands, Cape Town |
Recent performance | South Africa – W W W L W, Australia – W L W W L |
SA vs AUS Australia tour of South Africa 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
Coverage of the 3rd Test differs by region, so fans can check the platforms below for their location.
- Pakistan: A Sports (TV), Tapmad (Live Stream)
- India: Eurosport India (TV), FanCode (Live Stream)
- Australia & New Zealand: Fox Cricket (TV – Australia), Kayo Sports (Live Stream – Australia)
- USA & Canada: Willow TV / Cricbuzz
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket (TV), Sky Go / NOW (Live Stream)
- Bangladesh: Tapmad (Live Stream)
- MENA: Willow TV
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
South Africa vs Australia Toss Prediction
South Africa are predicted to win the toss and bat first. Dew rarely shapes a Test, so the pitch carries the decision. Posting runs early on a fresh surface would give the hosts control, and a total near 380 would pressure Australia’s batters. A toss win would also let Bavuma’s side carry their Gqeberha momentum into this contest.
Newlands, Cape Town Pitch Report
This pitch report points to a balanced surface where settled batters can score heavily while bowlers remain in the contest. Both teams are projected to pass 370 in their first innings, which suggests competitive batting conditions rather than a one-sided track. Expect the new ball to test the openers, then runs to come for patient players, with pace and spin both important as the match develops.
Weather Report
No detailed forecast is available, so this weather report stays cautious. Conditions in Cape Town can shift between sessions over five days, and both camps will watch the sky before committing to their selections. Any lost time would favour the side with the advantage, which is South Africa on current form, while dew is not a major factor in a daytime Test.
SA vs AUS Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 104 |
SA Won | 28 |
AUS Won | 55 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 21 |
First-ever Fixture | October 11–14, 1902 |
Most-recent Fixture | October 18–22, 2026 |
South Africa vs Australia Team Preview & Squads
South Africa
Temba Bavuma is the heart of this South Africa side. His 179 earned him Player of the Match in Gqeberha, and he leads from the front. As captain he sets the tone, and the team’s recent form of W W W L W reflects a group that trusts his calm leadership.
The batting structure leans on Bavuma, supported by Aiden Markram, who is predicted to be both the top run-scorer and the leading six-hitter. Markram is a strong pick for fantasy cricket tips. Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham add depth, and the 425/9 declared total last time shows this order can build big innings.
Marco Jansen leads the bowling attack, with Kagiso Rabada predicted as the top wicket-taker. Wiaan Mulder is the key all-rounder, adding balance, while Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer offer spin. Australia were dismissed for 99 in their first innings last time, so this attack arrives with confidence.
South Africa Squads
Temba Bavuma, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne
Australia
Pat Cummins captains Australia and must lift a side that suffered a heavy defeat in Gqeberha. Their recent form of W L W W L shows a team that can win but is inconsistent. Cummins’ leadership and tactical calls will be tested by the pressure of a series on the line.
Travis Head is the key batter, while Steven Smith is predicted to be both the top run-scorer and the leading six-hitter in this fixture. Marnus Labuschagne, listed as the key all-rounder, will be vital for stability, and Josh Inglis and Alex Carey add further options. After scoring 99 and 295 last time, the batters need a far better first innings.
Scott Boland is the key bowler, with Josh Hazlewood predicted as the leading wicket-taker. Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann provide pace and spin variety, and Cummins himself adds control. If the batters give them a total, this attack can still threaten South Africa.
Australia Squads
Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
SA vs AUS Prediction
Event | South Africa | Australia |
Toss Winner | South Africa | – |
Player of the Match | Aiden Markram | – |
Top Run Scorer | Aiden Markram | Steven Smith |
Top Wicket Taker | Kagiso Rabada | Josh Hazlewood |
Most Sixes | Aiden Markram | Steven Smith |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 380+ | 370+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
South Africa vs Australia Winning Prediction
South Africa are our pick in this South Africa vs Australia match prediction, with a 53% win probability to Australia’s 47%, built on Bavuma’s form and a dominant innings victory in Gqeberha. Australia remain dangerous with Smith, Head and Hazlewood, so a walkover is unlikely. Do you agree with our call, or will Australia hit back at Newlands? Share your thoughts and follow JeetBuzz for more predictions, stats and expert analysis.
FAQ: Australia tour of South Africa 2026 3rd Test
What time does the 3rd Test start in India?
The match starts at 2:00 PM IST on October 27, 2026.
Who was Player of the Match in the 2nd Test?
Temba Bavuma earned the award for his score of 179.
Where can UK fans watch the 3rd Test?
The match is available to stream live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).