Breetzke, Maharaj seal commanding Proteas win over Australia: 1st ODI (Durban)

South Africa opened the three-match ODI series with a commanding 67-run victory over Australia at Kingsmead, Durban, on 24 September 2026.

Sent in to bat, the hosts weathered early pressure before recovering strongly to post a formidable 297/8 from their 50 overs.

First Innings

Matthew Breetzke anchored South Africa’s recovery with a magnificent 112 off 106 balls, striking 14 fours and two sixes. He received excellent support from Marco Jansen, who produced an explosive 75 from 59 deliveries, accelerating the Proteas towards a challenging total after the middle order had been put under pressure. Nathan Ellis was Australia’s most successful bowler with 3/57, while Mitchell Starc claimed 2/60.

Second Innings

Australia’s run chase never gained sustained momentum, and they were eventually bowled out for 230 in 41.2 overs. Keshav Maharaj delivered a superb spell of spin bowling, dismantling Australia’s middle order to finish with outstanding figures of 4/20 from 9.2 overs. Corbin Bosch and Bjorn Fortuin provided valuable support, taking two wickets each.

Player of the Match: Matthew Breetzke — 112 (106) Series Status: South Africa lead 1–0

South Africa 297 for 8 (Breetzke 112, Jansen 75, Ellis 3-57) beat Australia 230 (Marsh 60, Maharaj 4-20) by 67 runs.

Sept 2026.