South Africa continued their dominance over Australia in ODIs, sealing a comprehensive 84-run victory in the second ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday. The win gave the Proteas an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, marking their fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph against Australia.
A superb 88 by Matthew Breetzke, a steady 74 from Tristan Stubbs, and a lethal five-wicket haul by Lungi Ngidi set up the victory as Australia were bowled out for 193 in just 37.4 overs while chasing 278.
Breetzke enters record books
Breetzke, playing just his fourth ODI, produced a brilliant 78-ball 88 (8x4, 2x6) and in the process became the first player in ODI history to begin his career with four consecutive half-centuries. He broke a 48-year-old record held by India’s Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose run of fifties came across five matches.
After early losses of Aiden Markram (0) and Ryan Rickelton (8), Breetzke steadied the innings alongside Tony de Zorzi (38). His 89-run fourth-wicket stand with Stubbs (74 off 87 balls) lifted South Africa to a competitive total of 277 before being dismissed in the 49th over.
Dewald Brevis (1) fell cheaply again while Adam Zampa (3/63) and Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with wickets to keep South Africa from crossing 300.
Ngidi runs through Australia
In reply, Australia never truly recovered after early setbacks. Ngidi removed Marnus Labuschagne (1) and later returned to wipe out the tail, finishing with 5-42 — his third ODI five-wicket haul. Nandre Burger struck early to remove Travis Head (6), while Wiaan Mulder dismissed skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) at the end of the Powerplay. Josh Inglis (87 off 74, 10x4, 2x6) stood tall for the hosts with a counterattacking knock but found little support. Cameron Green (35) showed promise, but once both fell, Australia’s chase crumbled.
Ngidi wrapped up the innings by dismissing Bartlett (8) and Zampa (3), while Senuran Muthusamy accounted for Nathan Ellis (3) to seal the 84-run win.
Skippers reflect on contrasting nights
Stand-in South Africa captain Aiden Markram, leading in the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma, hailed the collective effort.
It’s never easy coming to Australia and winning a series in two games. Really proud of the boys. Ngidi was outstanding, but the support from the other quicks was crucial too.
We pegged them back with the ball, but as a batting unit we couldn’t get the job done. Credit to South Africa, they bowled exceptionally well.
Player of the Match Ngidi summed up his performance: “When Kagiso [Rabada] went down, I knew I had to step up. The wicket had a bit of bounce tonight, and I was happy to make it count.”
Brief Scores: South Africa 277 all out in 49.1 overs (Matthew Breetzke 88, Tristan Stubbs 74; Adam Zampa 3/63) Australia 193 all out in 37.4 overs (Josh Inglis 87; Lungi Ngidi 5/42) South Africa won by 84 runs, lead series 2-0.
