KEY POINTS
- Matthew Breetzke (88) and Tristan Stubbs (74) rescued South Africa from early trouble
- Lungi Ngidi’s fiery five-wicket haul dismantled Australia’s chase
- South Africa’s dominance continues with 17 wins in their last 21 completed ODIs against Australia
MACKAY, Australia: South Africa secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after thrashing Australia by 84 runs in the second match of the series on Friday. The victory marked South Africa’s fifth consecutive bilateral series triumph against the Australians.
After being put in to bat, South Africa found themselves in early trouble as Ryan Rickelton (8) and Aiden Markram (0) faltered, leaving fans wondering if the Proteas had left their rhythm back in the dressing room. But then came a counterpunch.
Matthew Breetzke, with a silken 88, and Tristan Stubbs, firing a composed 74, stitched together a 89-run stand that resurrected the innings.
Stubbs, cool-headed and clinical, continued to anchor the innings after Breetzke’s departure, steering the side to a competitive 277 before the final ball was bowled.
Adam Zampa (3/46) was the lone bright spark in Australia’s bowling line-up, spinning his web yet again.
Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Marnus Labuschagne each chipped in with two wickets, but the South African middle order had already done the damage.
In reply, Australia’s pursuit of 278 unravelled faster than a thread in the wind.
Lungi Ngidi bulldozed through the batting order with a sensational five-wicket haul, exploiting every inch of movement off the surface.
His figures read like a nightmare for Aussie fans. Josh Inglis fought a lone battle, crafting a gutsy 87, but with little support around him – Cameron Green’s 35 the only other score of note – Australia were bundled out well short.
South Africa has won its fifth consecutive ODI series against Australia, with one game still to play. #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/9cBGmWBCRR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2025
Rivalry tilted
South Africa’s win wasn’t just a standalone success; it was part of a larger trend that’s becoming impossible to ignore.
With this victory, they have now won eight of the last ten bilateral series against Australia and 17 of the last 21 completed ODIs between the two powerhouses. What once was a fierce rivalry has now leaned heavily in South Africa’s favour.
Australia, on the other hand, find itself in the throes of a form slump – winning just one of their last eight completed ODIs.
Their only solace came in a dramatic chase against England during the Champions Trophy, but since then, the form chart has been flatlining.
Both teams will regroup and reload for the third and final ODI at the same venue on August 24.
