(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
South Africa Clinch ODI Series as Australia Fall Short in Mackay
South Africa sealed the One Day International (ODI) series with an 84-run win over Australia at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, continuing their dominant run against the Aussies.
Despite a fighting 87 from Josh Inglis, Australia’s batting woes resurfaced as they were dismissed for 193 in 37.4 overs, chasing South Africa’s total of 277 all out. The result hands the Proteas a fifth consecutive ODI series triumph against Australia.
Breetzke Sets New Record
Opener Matthew Breetzke stole the spotlight with a fluent 88 off 78 balls, becoming the first male cricketer to score a half-century in each of his first four ODIs. He added 67 runs with Tony de Zorzi after Xavier Bartlett struck early, while Tristan Stubbs provided valuable support with a composed 74.
Australia’s bowlers fought back late – Adam Zampa (3/55) and Marnus Labuschagne (2/19) picked up crucial wickets – but South Africa still reached a competitive total before being bowled out in the final over.
Ngidi Dismantles Australia
Chasing 278, Australia slipped to 3/38 inside the powerplay, with Travis Head (6), Labuschagne (1) and Mitchell Marsh (18) falling cheaply. Wicketkeeper-batter Inglis led the resistance, striking 10 fours and two sixes in his 74-ball knock, and shared a 67-run partnership with Cameron Green (35).
But once Green was dismissed, the collapse resumed. Lungi Ngidi proved unstoppable, claiming 5/47, including the key wicket of Inglis. Australia lost their final five wickets for just 18 runs, handing South Africa a comfortable victory.
Series Outlook
The win gives South Africa the three-match series with a game to spare, while Australia face their third straight ODI series defeat. With just two wins from their last ten matches in the format, the spotlight is firmly on their fragile batting line-up and approach in 50-over cricket.
Match Summary
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South Africa: 277/10 (49.1 overs)
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Australia: 193/10 (37.4 overs)
➡️ South Africa won by 84 runs
