Mackay, August 22, 2025: South Africa sealed a 2-0 series win over world champions Australia with one match to spare after Lungi Ngidi’s fiery spell set up an 84-run victory in the second One Day International at Harrup Park on Friday.
Opting to bat, the Proteas were bowled out for 277 in 49.1 overs, with Matthew Breetzke (88) and Tristan Stubbs (74) leading the charge. Despite falling short of the 300-run mark, their total proved more than enough as Ngidi (5-42) spearheaded a relentless bowling display that bundled Australia out for 193 in just 37.4 overs.
For Australia, Josh Inglis (87) offered lone resistance in another batting collapse, marking the fourth consecutive home ODI in which they failed to reach 200.
Earlier, stand-in skipper Aiden Markram fell for a duck after captain Temba Bavuma was rested due to workload management. Breetzke’s aggressive stroke play steadied the innings alongside Tony de Zorzi (38) before spinners and seamers combined to check South Africa’s momentum in the death overs.
Despite Australia’s fightback — highlighted by Adam Zampa (3-63) and Nathan Ellis (2-51) — their chase faltered early, losing Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne within the first four overs. Inglis and Cameron Green (35) briefly revived hopes, but Ngidi’s incisive strikes, supported by Senuran Muthusamy (1-25), crushed the hosts’ resistance.
The two sides will meet again in Mackay on Sunday for the final ODI, now a dead rubber.
