South Africa has made a commanding victory of 84-run over Australia in the second ODI at Mackay on Friday, levelling a remarkable series victory on Australian soil.
Paceman Lungi Ngidi paved the way with a excellent five-wicket haul, leaving stranded kangaroos for another failed chase.
Set a target of 278, Australia’s innings unraveled swiftly despite a fighting knock from wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who struck a counter-attacking 87 off 74 balls.
Inglis’s effort, laced with ten boundaries and two sixes, provided brief resistance but could not refrain South Africa from locking the match and the three-match series.
Ngidi was the star of the show, returning exceptional figures of 5 for 42. His spell derailed Australia’s middle and lower order after initial breakthroughs from Nandre Burger. Together, the pacers orchestrated a collapse that condemned Australia to their third consecutive ODI series defeat and a third home series loss to the Proteas in the past 17 years.
Australia’s chase began shakily, with wickets tumbling regularly. Aaron Hardie’s attempt to rebuild ended when Ngidi deceived him with a slower delivery. “Another one bites the dust!” came the commentary as Hardie chipped tamely back to the bowler. Inglis, however, continued to play positively, keeping Australia in the hunt with his wide range of strokes. At 174 for 5, the contest was still alive.
But Ngidi struck the decisive blow, removing Inglis with a fuller delivery that kissed the edge and carried to wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton. From there, the collapse was rapid. Xavier Bartlett miscued a pull to substitute fielder Corbin Bosch, Nathan Ellis was stumped off Senuran Muthusamy, and Adam Zampa’s dismissal sealed Australia’s fate at 193 all out in 37 overs.
Earlier, South Africa had posted 277 after being put into bat on a tricky, two-paced surface. The innings was anchored by Matthew Breetzke, whose 78-ball 88 continued his remarkable start to international cricket. His knock not only held the innings together but also equalled the world record for most consecutive fifties from debut. Tristan Stubbs added further substance with a composed 74 off 87 deliveries.
Australia had begun brightly with the new ball, as Josh Hazlewood and debutant Xavier Bartlett bowled with precision to pin down the top order. Skipper Aiden Markram, standing in for the rested Temba Bavuma, departed for a four-ball duck, leaving the visitors momentarily on the back foot. Yet, Breetzke and Stubbs staged a valuable partnership that propelled South Africa to a competitive score.
The Proteas, who had overwhelmed Australia by nearly 100 runs in the first ODI, carried forward their momentum to seal back-to-back victories and the series. The performance highlighted their growing depth and composure, with both the batting and bowling units stepping up under pressure.
For Australia, the defeat raised pressing questions about their consistency and middle-order stability. With three straight series losses in the format, the once-dominant side is struggling to rediscover its rhythm.
South Africa’s win, meanwhile, carried larger significance—it underlined their resurgence as a force in world cricket and their ability to outplay a top side in their own backyard.
