On the afternoon of 24 September 2026, the Proteas began their three-match ODI series against Australia with a strong performance, securing a 67-run victory at Kingsmead in Durban.
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South Africa batted first, posting 297 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In response, Australia was bowled out for 230 runs in 41.2 overs, giving South Africa a 1-0 lead in the series.
Matthew Breetzke leads Proteas’ recovery
Matthew Breetzke was the standout performer with the bat, producing an impressive 112 off 106 balls for his second ODI century.
The Proteas experienced an early setback after losing Tony de Zorzi and Quinton de Kock during the opening powerplay. Captain Temba Bavuma then helped stabilise the innings alongside Breetzke before being dismissed for 30.
Breetzke found an important partner in Marco Jansen, with the pair putting together a 107-run sixth-wicket partnership that changed the momentum of the innings.
Jansen contributed a quickfire 75 from 59 deliveries, including four sixes, as South Africa pushed towards a competitive total. Breetzke was eventually run out for 112, but the Proteas finished on 297/8.
MATCH 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
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 24, 2026
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Maharaj leads bowling attack
Australia appeared to be in a strong position during their chase after Mitchell Marsh launched an attacking innings of 60 from 36 balls.
However, the Proteas fought back through their spinners. Keshav Maharaj claimed 4/20 from 9.2 overs, while Bjorn Fortuin took two wickets as Australia’s middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships.
Marco Jansen also produced one of the match’s memorable moments when he took a spectacular one-handed diving catch to dismiss Matthew Renshaw.
Australia eventually lost their final six wickets for just 54 runs and were bowled out for 230, giving the Proteas a 67-run victory.
Proteas take early series advantage
The result gives South Africa a 1-0 lead heading into the second ODI.
The next match is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September 2026, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, with the third ODI to follow in Potchefstroom on 30 September 2026.
The Proteas will now look to build on their Durban performance and move closer to securing the three-match series, while Australia will be aiming to level the contest in Johannesburg.
Clinical South Africa go 1-0 up following a win in the opening ODI of the series against Australia 🤩
📝: https://t.co/rCRhWybywD pic.twitter.com/rc40F96Jyg
— ICC (@ICC) September 24, 2026
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Featured image: X/@ABsay_ek
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