It was a gripping encounter that went down to the final day, with everything still to play for. South Africa needed to take all ten Australian wickets, while the Baggy Greens required another 288 runs to pull off an unlikely victory.

It was a tall order for either side, with two of the world's best teams going head-to-head in a thrilling finale.

Simon Harmer and Temba Bavuma - Cricinfo

The adrenaline began pumping in the shadow of Table Mountain almost immediately as Kagiso Rabada struck with just the third ball of Australia's innings, having the in-form Matt Renshaw caught behind for a first-ball duck. Three balls later, KG struck again, trapping Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne LBW for four.

Before Australia had time to catch their breath, they were in complete disarray at 62/8, with their hopes of chasing down the target quickly replaced by the desperate task of survival.

Nathan Lyon, batting at number ten, dug deep to frustrate the Proteas attack and top-scored for Australia with an unbeaten 33. However, the veteran spinner eventually ran out of partners as the visitors were bundled out for just 111.

Simon Harmer was the undisputed star with the ball, producing a superb performance of 6/16 in 21.1 overs, while Rabada chipped in with 3/39 to help wrap up a comprehensive victory.

Harmer was deservedly named Player of the Match, while all-rounder Marco Jansen claimed the Player of the Series award after an outstanding campaign in which he scored 198 runs and took 13 wickets.

Following the sensational victory, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said beating Australia after losing the opening Test in Durban would do wonders for his team's confidence.

“I think this series will do those guys a world of good. We were tested from all angles and were under pressure every day,” said Bavuma.

Josh Ingils was run out in the second innings - Cricinfo

“As batters, we came up against one of the best bowling attacks in the world, so to be able to put runs on the board in those situations is something they can take a lot of confidence from.

“From a team perspective, I'm not surprised. There's a reason behind the selections we make, and I remember having to answer questions after Gqeberha and Durban about the positions of certain players in the team.

“It's about showing faith in those guys and backing them to perform. I've seen them do it regularly for the Lions, but this is where it counts even more.”

Jansen, meanwhile, described the series as arguably the toughest and most enjoyable he has experienced since making his international debut against India.

“My debut series against India was definitely a first for me, but I think this series just edges it because of the way it unfolded,” said the Potchefstroom-born all-rounder.

“It was tough, and there were so many ups and downs. Neither team had the upper hand for an extended period.

“There were times when I was sitting in the change room thinking we were right in the game, and then suddenly we would lose four wickets and I'd be wondering what was happening. That was the nature of the series. It happened throughout the first and second Tests, and again in this one.

Kagiso Rabada celebrates his 350th wicket in Test cricket - Cricinfo

“For me, this has definitely been one of the most enjoyable series, but also one of the toughest.”

The victory sees South Africa climb to second place in the World Test Championship standings, while also moving ahead of Australia to claim the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings.

The Proteas will now turn their attention to their next assignment, a Test series against Bangladesh, which gets under way on 15 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport