South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha, leveling the series 1-1 with a game to spare.

After two truncated days due to rain, the Proteas collapsed to 110/6 in their first innings but captain Temba Bavuma rescued the side with a career-best 179.

Bavuma put on a record 132-run seventh-wicket partnership with Marco Jansen (85) and an 183-run stand with Simon Harmer (82), leading South Africa to 425/9 declared.

Marco Jansen claimed 5 for 22 as Australia was bowled out for just 99 in their first innings. Forced to follow on, the visitors were eventually dismissed again on the final day for 295 as Kagiso Rabada picked up a four-wicket haul for the hosts.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Bavuma lauded his team’s spirited performance after a heavy 214-run defeat in the series opener at Durban.

“It was a spirited effort from us,” Bavuma told reporters. “A lot was asked of us after the first Test in Durban. The biggest [question] was the character or the mentality of the team.

“Over the course of the five days [in Gqeberha] we’ve addressed that. From a batting point of view, from a bowling point of view, when things were tough, we managed to dig deep, stay in the game and, most importantly, get the result in our favour.”

Instead of over-focusing on the opposition's tactics, Bavuma emphasized that South Africa's best chance of winning comes from executing their own core skills at the highest level.

“We have our plans and we try to stick to as close as we can to them,” he said. “We adapt to what is happening and we know how to go about our business. We trust that, if we can be close to our strengths, we’ll be able to play to our best. We try to stay in the moment and stick to what we do best.”

Bavuma also reflected on a critical juncture in the match when Australia’s star batter Steven Smith hit a high ball into the air. A video went viral showing the Proteas skipper completely turning his back to the play while the ball was in the air.

Rather than a tactical move or a lack of trust in his teammate, Bavuma jokingly confessed: “I was very nervous at that time. High catching at St George’s Park can be tough, especially when the wind is blowing like that. I couldn’t see who was under the catch, but it wasn’t a case of me not having faith in that individual. I allowed my emotions to get the better of me.”

Bavuma also shared insight on the team's mindset and support for all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who made a crucial impact on the match by claiming three key Australian wickets in the second innings including that of centurion Travis Head.

“The biggest chat among us is how you can be as good as you can be,” Bavuma said. “Wiaan is a different character to everyone else. He feeds off confidence. Once he’s in that space he can play freely.”

Bavuma highlighted the duality that many high-profile athletes experience: maintaining a strong, stoic exterior for the public and media while privately grappling with self-doubt and the raw reality of their performances.

“When you front up to the media you try to keep a steely face,” he said. “But when you’re alone in your room you can’t lie to yourself.”

Bavuma emphasized that the team is focusing on personal growth and self-belief, aiming to preserve and build upon the momentum and confidence gained from the match.

“We will take the confidence and belief from this performance. We will look after it,” he remarked.