South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje delivered a moment of brilliance on Day 4 of the opening Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban. The right-arm quick produced a searing yorker to dismiss Nic Maddinson, ending the opener’s aggressive innings just as Australia looked to extend their advantage in the match.
Australia had taken control after posting 390 in their first innings and restricting South Africa to 284. With a 106-run lead already secured, the visitors returned to the crease looking to pile on the runs and put the hosts under further pressure.
Anrich Nortje produces a searing yorker to dismiss Maddinson
Maddinson came out with an attacking approach after being dismissed for a 33-ball duck in Australia’s first innings. The left-hander found his rhythm in the second innings and scored 48 off just 38 deliveries, striking six fours and two sixes. However, South Africa needed a breakthrough to prevent the visitors from stretching their lead further, and Nortje provided exactly that with a superb delivery.
Nortje fired in a full and rapid yorker that caught Maddinson completely off guard. The batter was late in bringing his bat down as the ball breached his defence and crashed into the stumps, sending his middle and leg stumps flying. Nortje celebrated the breakthrough as South Africa finally removed one of the key contributors in Australia’s second innings. The fast bowler also struck Steve Smith with a sharp bouncer during the morning session, adding further intensity to the contest.
Here’s the video:
Bowleddd Himm A Ripper From Anrich Nortje To Dismiss Nick Maddison Who Falls Just Short Of His Fifty 😮💨🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/KdqGQK0d2K
— Cricket Dani (@CricketDani56) October 12, 2026
Australia continue to hold the advantage in the opening Test
Despite Nortje’s breakthrough, Australia remained firmly in control. Matt Renshaw had been the standout performer in the first innings, scoring an unbeaten 190 to guide Australia to 390 after the visitors had lost several wickets in the middle order. South Africa struggled in reply and managed only 284, with David Bedingham’s 49 the highest individual score. Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling effort with three wickets.
In the second innings, Australia continued to score quickly despite losing wickets. Marnus Labuschagne made 37 before falling to Keshav Maharaj, while Renshaw remained at the crease as the visitors pushed their total to 191/4. With their overall lead reaching 297 runs, Australia were in a commanding position heading into the remainder of the contest.