South Africa beat Australia by 177 runs in the first Test at Perth today after dismissing the hosts for 361 just before tea on the final day. Kagiso Rabada took 5 wickets for 92 runs. The tourists claimed a third successive victory at Perth after 2008 and 2012 triumphs and a 1-0 lead in the series.South Africa declared on 540 for 8 after lunch yesterday, leaving Australia with an imposing 539 run victory target or more realistically almost five sessions to bat out for a draw. The hosts had looked in a strong position on day two when having dismissed South Africa for 242 they were 158 without loss before collapsing to 244 all out.