South Africa produced a strong all-round performance to defeat Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, on September 24, 2026. After posting 297/8, the Proteas controlled the chase with the ball and bowled Australia out for 230 in 41.2 overs.
The victory gave South Africa an early lead in the three-match ODI series. Australia won the toss and chose to field, but South Africa recovered well after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Breetzke Leads South Africa’s Batting Charge
Matthew Breetzke was the main star with the bat. The right-hander scored 112 runs from 106 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes.
Breetzke helped South Africa recover after the team slipped to 168/5. He then put together with Marco Jansen to produce a crucial sixth-wicket partnership.
Jansen added 75 runs from just 59 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes. Their 107-run partnership changed the momentum of the innings and helped South Africa finish strong.
South Africa scored 54 runs in the final five overs and reached 297/8 from their 50 overs. Nathan Ellis was Australia's most successful bowler with three wickets.
Australia Struggle During the Chase
Australia needed 298 runs to win but never built the kind of partnership required for a successful chase.
The Australian batsmen lost wickets regularly as South Africa's bowlers kept the pressure on. The visitors were finally dismissed for 230 in 41.2 overs.
Keshav Maharaj was one of the key figures in the second innings, taking four wickets and helping South Africa break Australia's resistance in the last 10 overs. His spell was particularly crucial as the Australian chase lost momentum.
South Africa’s bowling attack was still pressing after Australia had made a competitive start and the wickets kept falling as the run rate increased.
whenever you need a wicket, call keshav maharaj😭🔥
— kheds (@khedsmann) September 24, 2026
literally single handedly keeping our hopes alive🇿🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/cKgISXkh2M
South Africa Take Early Series Lead
The 67-run victory was South Africa’s first ODI win over Australia in this series. It also highlighted Breetzke and Jansen’s late-innings partnership and a disciplined bowling performance.
For Australia, the defeat came despite their bowlers doing a decent job for much of South Africa's innings. Their failure to convert the chase into a sustained partnership was costly.
The second ODI is scheduled for September 27, 2026. South Africa will come to the match with a 1-0 series advantage and Australia will need to respond and level the series.
Match Details
Date: September 24, 2026
Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
South Africa: 297/8 in 50 overs
Australia: 230 all out in 41.2 overs
Result: South Africa won by 67 runs
Player highlights: Matthew Breetzke 112, Marco Jansen 75, Keshav Maharaj 4 wickets
