South Africa Beat Australia by 67 Runs in First ODI
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
DURBAN: Matthew Breetzke scored a century and Keshav Maharaj claimed four wickets as South Africa defeated Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI at Kingsmead on Thursday.
South Africa, who were asked to bat first, posted 297 for 8 in their 50 overs. Breetzke top-scored with 112 runs, while Marco Jansen provided a late boost with an aggressive 75.
Australia made an excellent start to their chase as captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head added 90 runs during the first 10 overs.
Marsh played aggressively and reached 60 from only 36 deliveries, including six sixes and five fours.
However, the match changed when Maharaj dismissed Marsh. South Africa’s spinners then put Australia under increasing pressure, with Maharaj and fellow left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin taking advantage of the conditions.
Maharaj finished with figures of 4-20, while Fortuin claimed 2-34 as Australia were eventually bowled out for 230.
Breetzke Leads South Africa’s Innings
South Africa were in trouble early after losing two wickets for just 29 runs against Australia’s pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis.
Breetzke steadied the innings with several important partnerships. He added 54 runs with captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 30, and another 42 with Ryan Rickelton, who contributed 27.
Jansen then joined Breetzke and the pair changed the momentum with a sixth-wicket partnership worth 107 runs from 83 balls.
Jansen struck four sixes and seven fours during his 75 off 59 deliveries.
Breetzke completed his century and continued to anchor the innings before South Africa finished on 297-8.
Australia Lose Momentum After Fast Start
Marsh’s early attack had put Australia in a strong position during the powerplay. He hit five sixes inside the first five overs, while Jansen conceded 33 runs in his opening three overs.
After Marsh’s dismissal, however, Australia struggled to maintain the required scoring rate.
South Africa’s bowlers produced a disciplined spell, while several Australian batters failed to convert their starts into substantial partnerships.
Jansen also contributed in the field despite conceding 64 runs from seven overs and taking one wicket. He completed four catches, including a diving effort to dismiss Matt Renshaw, who was among Australia’s final hopes of staying in the chase.
Australia were eventually dismissed for 230, giving South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Marsh, who is standing in as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins for the opening match, acknowledged that Australia were unable to build partnerships after their strong start.
