South Africa set Australia a target of 298 in the opening ODI in Durban, following a century from Matthew Breetzke and a late-innings surge by Marco Jansen.
Breetzke scored 112 off 106 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes, to anchor the Proteas’ total of 297/8 after Australia won the toss and elected to bowl. The opener eventually fell to a run-out but helped steer the innings after the side had fallen to 168/5. Speaking during the innings break, Breetzke said: “When you are playing the Aussies, it always gets your juices flowing, and you are up for it.”
Marco Jansen provided the late acceleration, hitting 75 from 59 deliveries with seven fours and four sixes. The recovery supported captain Temba Bavuma’s pre-match comments regarding squad depth and the “opportunity for the guys to come in and perform” as players look to claim spots for the 2027 World Cup.
Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3-57 from his 10 overs. The visitors fielded a rotated pace unit with Pat Cummins rested, handing a debut to all-rounder Jack Edwards. Edwards, wearing ODI cap number 254, finished with figures of 0-56 from 10 overs. Australia’s bowling options were further limited by Cameron Green’s shoulder injury, which saw him play as a specialist batter and bowl no overs.
Australia requires 298 to win at a required rate of 5.96 per over. The chase will test a top order featuring Cooper Connolly at No. 3 against South Africa’s specialist spinners as the hosts look to maintain a home bilateral winning streak against Australia that dates back to 2014.
