Pat Cummins produced a blistering cameo with the bat on Day 4 of the first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban. The Australian captain took on spinner Simon Harmer during the closing stages of the visitors’ second innings, launching three sixes in the 58th over to accelerate the scoring before the declaration.

Australia had already established a strong position in the match after posting 390 in their first innings and restricting South Africa to 284. With a substantial lead in hand, the visitors adopted an aggressive approach in their second innings as they looked to give themselves enough time to bowl out the hosts.

Pat Cummins takes Simon Harmer apart with three sixes

Cummins targeted Harmer during the 58th over, clearing the boundary three times in quick succession. The first six came off the opening delivery of the over, as Cummins got underneath a full ball and sent it over the cow-corner boundary. Harmer shortened his length on the next delivery he bowled to Cummins, but the Australian was ready for it. He moved deep into his crease and pulled the ball towards deep backward square leg.

Tristan Stubbs attempted to take the catch near the boundary but could only parry the ball over the rope for another six. Cummins then completed the sequence with another powerful strike towards wide long-on. Harmer delivered a fullish ball in the batter’s hitting zone, and Cummins connected cleanly to send it sailing into the stands. The three sixes added to the pressure on South Africa as Australia’s lead moved beyond 400 runs.

Here’s the video:

6,6,0,6 by Captain Pat Cummins #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/V9He7EHG1g

— @CricketPulse (@VikashJajra4500) October 12, 2026

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Australia put South Africa under pressure with a target of 421

Australia declared their second innings at 314/6, setting South Africa a daunting target of 421 runs for victory. Matt Renshaw led the scoring with 82, while Nic Maddinson contributed 48 and Marnus Labuschagne added 37. Cummins’ quickfire 32 off just 12 balls helped Australia accelerate towards the declaration. South Africa struggled to respond during the final session.

Josh Hazlewood removed Ryan Rickelton early before dismissing David Bedingham for 46. Renshaw then claimed his maiden Test wicket by removing captain Temba Bavuma, while Cummins dismissed Stubbs to leave the hosts in trouble. At stumps on Day 4, South Africa were 102/4, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 45. The hosts needed another 319 runs on the final day to pull off a remarkable victory, while Australia were six wickets away from taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Also READ: Steve Smith surpasses Joe Root’s record during SA vs AUS 1st Test