After their defeat in the second ODI in the ongoing series against South Africa, Australia conceded defeat in yet another bilateral ODI series. With the Proteas taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series, Australia have now lost three consecutive bilateral ODI series for the first time in 6 years.
They lost to Sri Lanka 2-0 in February, just before the Champions Trophy and before that were thoroughly thrashed by Pakistan 2-1 in November 2024. The last time, the current ODI world champions won a 50-over bilateral series was all the way back in September 2024 when they edged out arch rivals England 3-2. Meanwhile, the last ODI match Australia have won was back in the Champions Trophy 2025 Group stage when thy defeated England in February.
How AUS lost 2nd ODI vs SA
South Africa defeated Australia after Lungi Ngidi’s five-wicket haul secured their 84-run victory in the second one day international in Mackay on Friday. With this result, the Proteas have also won the last 5 ODI series against Australia since 2016.
Electing to bat, South Africa posted 277 before being all out with five deliveries left in their innings. Matthew Breetzke (88) and Tristan Stubbs (74) smashed half-centuries and South Africa looked poised to cross the 300-mark at one stage.
Not that it really mattered as Ngidi (5-42) and his bowling colleagues bundled out Australia for 193 in 37.4 overs to clinch the series with a match to spare. Josh Inglis made 87 for Australia, who folded for a sub-200 total for the fourth time in a row in home ODIs.
Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was rested as part of his workload management since a hamstring strain in June. Aiden Markram took over the captaincy but could not lead by example and fell for a duck in the second over after electing to bat first.
Xavier Bartlett claimed a second wicket when he had Ryan Rickelton caught behind in the sixth over.
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Breetzke hit Aaron Hardie for two sixes and a four in the bowler’s first over and added 67 runs with Tony de Zorzi (38) to steady the innings.
Adam Zampa (3-63) broke the stand in the 16th over when the spinner took a return catch from de Zorzi.
Nathan Ellis dismissed Breetzke and Dewald Brevis but South Africa, at 233-5 in 40 overs and with two set batters in the middle, still looked in a perfect position for a late flourish.
Australia fought back superbly in the final 10 overs, claiming the last five wickets conceding only 44 runs.
(With agency inputs)`
