South Africa have scored 297 runs against Australia in the first ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, on September 24, 2026. Matthew Breetzke’s century was the main highlight of South Africa’s batting effort, while Marco Jansen added 75 runs to give the hosts a strong finish.
Nathan Ellis was one of the key performers with the ball in Australia, taking three wickets. Now Australia has a target of 298 to chase.
Breetzke leads South Africa’s batting
Matthew Breetzke played a fantastic innings to score 100 runs and give South Africa the stability they needed.
His century came at a very important moment as Australia did manage to take wickets during the innings. Breetzke stayed at the crease and helped South Africa build a competitive score.
The young batter showed good control and also found boundaries when Australia put pressure on the South African batting line-up.
Jansen Adds Important 75 Runs
Marco Jansen also played a big role with the bat, scoring 75 runs.
His innings helped South Africa increase the scoring rate and push the total towards the 300-run mark. Jansen's contribution was especially useful in the later part of the innings, when South Africa needed quick runs.
The combination of Breetzke's hundred and Jansen's 75 made the Proteas a strong batting platform.
CENTURY ON ODI DEBUT FOR BREETZKE! 💯
— Rehan 56 (@imrehan56) September 24, 2026
UNBELIEVABLE BATTING! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ULrYb3zSUk
Ellis Gives Australia Key Breakthroughs
Australia's bowling attack did not allow South Africa to completely dominate the innings.
Nathan Ellis took three wickets, one of Australia’s best bowlers in the innings. His wickets helped Australia keep South Africa from going much beyond the 300-run mark.
Other Australian bowlers contributed with wickets and provided pressure at various points.
Australia will now need their batting line-up to perform after a mixed bowling performance.
Can Australia chase 298?
Australia will need 298 runs to win, which means they must score at nearly six runs per over.
That is a tough target, but it is certainly within reach in modern ODI cricket.
Australia has many experienced batters who can build partnerships before increasing the scoring rate. But South Africa will know that early wickets could change the match quickly.
The first 10 overs of Australia’s chase might be very important. If Australia gets a good start, the target could become easier to manage. If South Africa strikes early, the pressure will increase on the Australian middle order.
