South Africa clinched a landmark one-day international series victory with an 84-run win over Australia in Mackay, thanks to a fine all-round display led by Matthew Breetzke and Lungi Ngidi. The result handed Australia a third successive ODI series defeat and their third loss in four home series against the Proteas over the past 17 years.
Ngidi ripped through the Australian batting line-up with figures of 5 for 42, dismantling their pursuit of 278 despite a valiant 87 from wicket-keeper Josh Inglis. Alongside Ngidi, Nandre Burger also played his part in orchestrating the collapse as the hosts were bowled out well short of the target.
Earlier, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Australia had appeared well placed to level the three-match series, restricting South Africa to 277 all out on a tricky, two-paced surface. With regular captain Temba Bavuma rested due to workload management, Aiden Markram stood in but was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the second over.
Australia made early inroads with the new ball through Josh Hazlewood and debutant Xavier Bartlett, tightening the screws on the Proteas’ top order. However, Breetzke rescued the innings with an enterprising 88 from 78 deliveries, equalling the world record for most consecutive fifties from debut. Tristan Stubbs added further impetus with a composed 74 off 87 balls, ensuring South Africa posted a competitive total.
The Proteas had already thumped Australia by nearly 100 runs in the opening ODI, and this second successive win sealed the series with one match to spare. South Africa set a target of 297 in that first encounter, riding on Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul to bowl the hosts out for 198.