South Africa extended their dominance over Australia in white ball cricket, clinching an 84-run victory in the 2nd ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, on Friday (August 22). The win handed the Proteas an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and marked another historic triumph on Australian soil.
Breetzke and Stubbs Steady South Africa
After being put in to bat, South Africa suffered early setbacks with stand in skipper Adien Markram departing for a four-ball duck. Australia's new pair of Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett maintained tight lines , making stroke play difficult on a two-paced pitch.
Breetzke played a fluent knock of 88 from 78 balls, equalling the world record for most consecutive fifties from ODI debut (four in a row). Stubbs provided solid support with a composed 74 off 87 deliveries, ensuring South Africa had a strong platform despite wickets falling around them. Contributions from Wiaan Mulder (26 off 21) and a quick cameo from Keshav Maharaj in the final overs pushed South Africa to 277 all out. Bartlett was Australia's most impressive bowler, finishing with 2/45 while Adam Zampa chipped in with wickets during the middle overs.
Josh Inglis Lone Warrior in Australia's Chase
Chasing 278, Australia's innings never gained stability. Nandre Burger struck first, removing Travis Head early, before Lungi Nigidi took centre stage. The pacer produced a devastating spell, dismantling Australia's batting order with pace and precision. Only Josh Inglis looked capable of mounting a fight. The wicketkeeper batter played a spirited knock of 87 off 74 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and two sixes. He kept the chase alive with partnerships alongside Cameron Green (35) and, later, Alex Carey (13), but once Ngidi removed Inglis, Australia's hopes faded rapidly.
Ngidi was well supported by Burger ( 2/47) and Senuran Muthusamy, who chipped in with two wickets in the middle overs. Their combined effort ensured Australia slipped to their consecutive ODI series defeat, and notably their third series loss at home to South Africa in the last 17 years.
South Africa's Dominance Over Australia
This win was more than just a series victory. It further underlined South Africa's recent dominance over Australia in ODIs. Since 2016, the Proteas have beaten Australia in five successive bilateral ODI series, a remarkable feat considering Australia's reputation as a powerhouse at home.
Series results since 2016:
- 2016: South Africa won 5-0
- 2018: South Africa won 2-1
- 2020:South Africa won 3-0
- 2023: South Africa 3-2
- 2025: South Africa lead 2-0 ( with one to play)
Australia's Concerns
For Australia, this loss raises serious questions ahead of upcoming assignments. Their batting continues to falter under pressure, with collapses becoming a worrying trend. The absence of big runs players like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne hurt them, while their bowling attack, despite early discipline, lacked the finishing edge to restrict South Africa below 250.
With one match left in this series, Skipper Mitchell Marsh and coach Andrew McDonland will be desperate to avoid a whitewash at home, something that could deal a significant blow to Australia's confidence.
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi
There was absolutely no debate when it came to deciding the player of the match - it had to be Lungi Ngidi. The South African speedstar produced a spell a pure quality, finishing with figures of 5 for 42, and completely dismantling Australia's batting order. Nigdi struck at crucial intervals, removing Marnus Labuschagne early to put the hosts on the back foot, before returning in the middle overs break, he dismissed the well-set Josh Inglis for 87, a wicket that ended the hope of chasing down the target.
What stood out about Ngidi's performance was not just wickets but his ability to read the conditions and adjust his pace and lenghts smartly. On a surface that offered uneven bounce, Ngidi mixed up his fuller deliveries with deceptive slower balls, keeping the batter guessing throughout. Nigdi's five wicket haul sealed the win in Mackay and secured the series for South Africa with the game to spare.
South Africa will aim for clean sweep in the final ODI , with youngsters Breetzke and Stubbs complementing Nigdi's experience. Australia meanwhile, must fix its batting lapses to avoid another setback and salvage some pride.