South Africa secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series following a 67-run victory over Australia at Kingsmead on Thursday. A career-best century from Matthew Breetzke and a middle-order collapse triggered by Keshav Maharaj defined the opening encounter in Durban.
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Chasing 298 for victory, Australia reached 90 for 0 after 9.2 overs behind Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. However, the introduction of spin drastically altered the momentum. Keshav Maharaj recorded figures of 4 for 20 in 9.2 overs, spearheading a collapse where the visitors lost nine wickets for 101 runs. Australia was eventually dismissed for 230 in 41.2 overs.
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South Africa’s total of 297 for 8 was built around Breetzke, who scored 112 off 106 balls. His second career ODI century stabilized the innings after early wickets fell. He was supported by Marco Jansen, who contributed 75 off 59 balls in a 107-run sixth-wicket partnership that accelerated the scoring during the final 10 overs.
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“It was really tricky early on with those first two wickets going down and against a world class bowling attack we had to dig deep. It took a lot out of me mentally but just grateful that I got through and got that ton and we won the game. The chat was just to play nice and straight,” Breetzke said after receiving Player of the Match honors.
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Bjorn Fortuin played a supporting role to Maharaj, finishing with 2 for 34 to dry up runs in the middle overs. Jansen also contributed in the field, completing a one-handed diving catch to dismiss Matt Renshaw as Australia’s chase faltered against the left-arm spin duo.
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Australia captain Mitchell Marsh noted the impact of the late-innings recovery by the hosts. “We pushed to get those last few wickets but they hammered us in the last 10 overs. I thought Marco Jansen batted very well,” Marsh said.
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The match marked the ODI debut for Jack Edwards, who became Australia’s 254th capped player in the format. The seam-bowling all-rounder finished with figures of 0 for 56 from his 10 overs. Australia fielded an adjusted lineup with Pat Cummins managed ahead of his expected return for the second match.
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The series continues at Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27. Australia must win the second ODI at the Wanderers to prevent South Africa from securing the series with a game to spare.
