South Africa hammer Australia to claim series after Breetzke, Stubbs, Ngidi shine

South Africa sealed the ODI series against Australia in style, winning the second match by 84 runs in Mackay on Friday to secure a decisive 2-0 lead. The win was powered by Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 88 and Tristan Stubbs’ steady 74, before Lungi Ngidi tore through Australia’s batting with five wickets.

Together, they kept South Africa’s stronghold over Australia intact, with this being their fifth straight bilateral series win against their old rivals.

After losing skipper Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton early, South Africa steadied through Tony de Zorzi (38) and Breetzke, who mixed patience with aggression. Stubbs then carried the innings forward, while Wiaan Mulder’s quick 26 and Keshav Maharaj’s unbeaten 22 lifted the visitors to 277 in 49.1 overs.

Adam Zampa (3/63) and Nathan Ellis (2/46) fought back for Australia, but the damage was already done by the Proteas’ middle order.

Lungi Ngidi rattles Australia

In reply, Australia collapsed against Ngidi’s accuracy. The pacer dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa to finish with 5/42 and earn the Player of the Match award.

Inglis fought hard with 87 off 74 balls but got little support. Cameron Green (35) and skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) made starts but couldn’t build, while Nandre Burger (2/23) and Senuran Muthusamy (2/30) added key strikes. Australia were eventually bowled out for 193 in 37.4 overs.

The result once again underlined South Africa’s dominance in ODIs over Australia — five straight series wins since 2016. With one game left, South Africa will aim for a clean sweep, while Australia’s task is to save face.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 277 all out in 49.1 overs. Matthew Breetzke (88), Tristan Stubbs (74), Matthew Breetzke (57); Adam Zampa (3/63); Marnus Labuschagne (2/19)

Australia: 193 all out in 37.4 overs. Josh Inglis (87), Cameron Green (35); Lungi Ngidi (5/42), Senuran Muthusamy (2/30)

Result: South Africa beat Australia by 84 runs