South Africa Defeats Australia by 67 Runs in First ODI
South Africa claims victory over Australia in the first ODI, led by Matthew Breetzkes century and Keshav Maharajs impressive bowling.
Durban, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : South Africa triumphed over Australia by 67 runs in the first match of the ODI series held at Kingsmead on September 24, 2026. This win gives the home team a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Batting first after losing the toss, South Africa scored 297 runs, losing eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began shakily, with the team losing two wickets for just 29 runs. However, Matthew Breetzke steadied the ship, forming a crucial 54-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma for the third wicket.
Bavuma contributed 30 runs off 48 balls, hitting four boundaries before being dismissed. Breetzke then combined with Ryan Rickelton for a 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket and added another 43 runs with David Miller for the fifth wicket, bringing the score to 168.
Rickelton scored 27 runs before departing, while Miller managed just 9 runs. Breetzke’s standout performance continued as he partnered with Marco Jansen for a remarkable 107-run stand for the sixth wicket, off just 81 balls. Breetzke finished with 112 runs, including 14 fours and 2 sixes, while Jansen scored 75 runs from 59 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 7 fours.
On the bowling side, Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Adam Zampa took two. Josh Hazlewood also contributed with one wicket.
In response, Australia was bowled out for 230 runs in 41.2 overs. Captain Mitchell Marsh, along with Travis Head, provided a solid start, putting together a 90-run partnership in just 9.2 overs. Marsh scored 60 runs off 36 balls, hitting 6 sixes and 5 fours before being dismissed. Head added 36 runs, partnering with Cooper Connolly for a 39-run second-wicket stand.
Australia faced setbacks, losing their third wicket at 134 runs. Matt Renshaw made a valiant effort, scoring 44 runs off 49 balls, but it was not enough to push the team past 200. Keshav Maharaj was exceptional for South Africa, taking four wickets for just 20 runs, while Karbin Bosch and Bjorn Fortuin each claimed two wickets.
The remaining matches of the ODI series are scheduled for September 27 and 30. Following this series, the teams will compete in three Test matches from October 9 to 31.
