The Proteas made the perfect start to their ODI series against Australia with an impressive 67-run victory at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
Matthew Breetzke produced a magnificent century before Keshav Maharaj turned the match with the ball as South Africa defended 297 for eight by bowling Australia out for 230.
It was an important victory for Temba Bavuma’s side as preparations continue for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in Southern Africa.
Breetzke Holds Proteas Innings Together
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, giving their experienced attack the first opportunity to make an impact at Kingsmead.
South Africa did not have everything their own way.
Quinton de Kock was dismissed for 14, while David Miller managed just nine as Australia kept applying pressure through the middle stages. At 168 for five, the Proteas needed a partnership to rescue their innings.
Breetzke provided exactly that.
The right hander showed patience when required but was also willing to attack when Australia gave him opportunities. He eventually reached his second ODI century and finished with an excellent 112 from 106 deliveries, including 14 fours and two sixes.
His innings continued a remarkable start to his international career. Following the Durban knock, Breetzke had accumulated 822 runs from his first 14 ODI innings.
Marco Jansen Provides the Power
Marco Jansen joined Breetzke with South Africa under pressure and changed the momentum of the innings.
The tall all rounder attacked Australia’s bowlers and smashed 75 from just 59 deliveries, hitting four sixes.
Breetzke and Jansen combined for a crucial 107-run sixth-wicket partnership that transformed South Africa’s position and pushed the home side towards a competitive total.
By the end of their 50 overs, the Proteas had reached 297 for eight, setting Australia a target of 298.
Marsh Gives Australia a Flying Start
Australia responded aggressively.
Captain Mitchell Marsh immediately placed South Africa’s bowlers under pressure, racing to 60 from only 36 deliveries. His explosive innings included five fours and six sixes and gave Australia an excellent platform.
At one stage the visitors appeared well positioned to chase down the target, especially after South Africa’s seamers struggled to contain the Australian top order.
The match, however, changed dramatically once the Proteas turned to spin.
Maharaj Changes the Game
Keshav Maharaj was the standout performer with the ball.
The experienced left arm spinner brought control to the Proteas attack and steadily worked his way through the Australian batting order.
Maharaj finished with outstanding figures of four wickets for just 20 runs from 9.2 overs as Australia lost momentum and wickets in quick succession.
South Africa’s bowlers eventually dismissed Australia for 230 in the 42nd over, completing a convincing 67-run victory.
It was an impressive turnaround after Australia’s explosive start and highlighted the importance of South Africa’s spin attack on a Durban surface that increasingly rewarded slower bowling.
Proteas Make Strong Statement
The victory gave South Africa a 1–0 advantage in the three-match ODI series and provided another encouraging performance as the Proteas build towards the 2027 World Cup.
What will particularly please the South African camp is the contribution from different areas of the team.
Breetzke showed he can anchor an innings against one of the strongest attacks in world cricket. Jansen once again demonstrated his value as an attacking lower-order batter, while Maharaj showed why his experience remains so valuable in the ODI format.
For the Proteas, the Durban victory was more than simply a good start to the series.
It was another reminder that South Africa possess the batting depth and bowling variety required to trouble the world’s strongest teams.