South Africa Stun Australia After Stunning Collapse in Durban

News Desk

DURBAN: Australia’s blistering start turned into a dramatic collapse as South Africa fought back to secure a 67-run victory in the first ODI at Kingsmead, with Matthew Breetzke’s maiden home century and a spectacular one-handed catch from Marco Jansen defining a fiery contest.

Chasing 298, Australia raced to 90 without loss in just 9.2 overs, with captain Mitch Marsh smashing 60 from 36 balls in an explosive assault on South Africa’s depleted pace attack.

But the momentum disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.

Australia lost nine wickets for just 101 runs as South Africa’s left-arm spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin dismantled the chase. Maharaj claimed 4-20 in 9.2 overs, while Fortuin returned 2-34 from eight.

Travis Head fell while attempting an unconventional flick off Jansen, exposing an Australian middle order that struggled to counter the spin.

Fortuin then removed Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly, while Cameron Green, returning as a specialist batter after a shoulder problem, was caught on the boundary attempting to clear Maharaj.

The decisive moment came when Matt Renshaw, who had earlier struck 75 from 59 balls, fell for 44 after Jansen produced a sensational one-handed diving catch off Gerald Coetzee.

The dismissal effectively ended Australia’s resistance, with the visitors eventually bowled out for 230.

Earlier, Breetzke produced a remarkable innings of 112 from 106 balls, continuing his extraordinary start to ODI cricket. His century helped South Africa recover from 168-5 before Jansen launched a late counterattack with four sixes.

The pair added 107 for the sixth wicket as South Africa accelerated to 297-8, scoring 89 runs from the final 10 overs.

Breetzke’s innings also sparked controversy. After reaching his century, he attempted to steal a single after a throw deflected off his body, prompting an angry reaction from Australia’s Nathan Ellis.

Jansen called Breetzke through despite the unusual circumstances, leading to a heated exchange before the umpires intervened.

South Africa had entered the match without several first-choice fast bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, but their spinners ultimately proved decisive.

The defeat ended Australia’s winning run in Africa after they swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in their previous ODI series in Harare.

The result also highlighted a striking contrast in the match: Australia’s top order dominated the opening overs, but South Africa’s spin attack turned a seemingly comfortable chase into a collapse that handed the hosts a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.