Proteas beat Australia in first ODI, silence bowling attack doubts
South Africa answered questions about their bowling attack with a 67-run win over Australia in the first ODI.
The Proteas were in trouble early on 29/2, with Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi dismissed cheaply.
Captain Temba Bavuma then stabilised the innings with a thoughtful 30 from 48.
Breetzke ton anchors Proteas vs Australia
The anchor of the innings was Matthew Breetzke, who struck 112 from 106 before being run out.
Marco Jansen partnered him for a 100-run partnership that kept the game alive, according to the ICC website.
South Africa ended on 297/8, setting Australia a relatively simple target to chase down, on paper.
Nathan Ellis did the most damage for the Baggy Greens, taking 3 wickets for 57 in his 10 overs.
Before the game, there was talk about where the pace man would fit in despite his excellent showing against Zimbabwe.
South Africa smothers Australia after strong start
Australia started rapidly with a 90-run opening stand between Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.
Keshav Maharaj eventually got the breakthrough, claiming Marsh’s scalp.
South Africa began pinning Australia back through economical bowling, although the run rate was initially manageable.
Jansen then continued his superstar game by dismissing Head, while Bjorn Fortuin dismissed Josh Inglis a few balls later.
Cooper Connolly kept his country on the pace with a rapid-fire 38, before Fortuin claimed his second.
The Proteas then throttled the run chase, dismissing Cameron Green and Jack Edwards in rapid succession.
Matt Renshaw’s handy stand of 44 was then ended by Gerald Coetzee.
Proteas’ bowlers come to the party
The next four dismissals came for just 15 runs, settling some doubts about the thin Proteas bowling attack.
Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi are all out injured.
Maharaj was the top bowler with 4 wickets, as Australia were eventually bowled out for 230.
South Africa now head to Wanderers with a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 24, 2026MATCH RESULT. 🏏🇿🇦
South Africa defend their total, bowling Australia out for 230 to secure a 67-run victory in the first ODI. 💪🇿🇦
A brilliant all-round team performance to start the series!#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/lRkOfbfYS5
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