South Africa defeated Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI of their three-match series, played at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Matthew Breetzke’s maiden ODI century and a four-wicket haul from Keshav Maharaj led the Proteas to victory.
South Africa vs Australia 1st ODI Scorecard
South Africa were sent in to bat first after Australia won the toss. The hosts lost Tony de Zorzi and Quinton de Kock cheaply inside the first seven overs, with Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke steadying the innings with a 54-run stand for the third wicket.
Breetzke went on to score 112 off 106 balls, his first century in ODI cricket. Marco Jansen provided late impetus with 75 off 59 balls, helping South Africa post 297 for 8 in their 50 overs. Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3 for 57, while Adam Zampa took 2 for 50.
Australia’s Chase Falls Short
Australia made a fast start in their chase, with Mitchell Marsh scoring a quick 60 as the visitors reached 96 for 1 inside the first ten overs and looked in control of the run chase.
The momentum shifted once South Africa turned to spin. Keshav Maharaj finished with figures of 4 for 20, with support from Fortuin and Jansen, as Australia lost wickets at regular intervals through the middle overs. The innings folded for 230 in 41.2 overs, handing South Africa a 67-run win.
Player Of The Match And Key Performances
Matthew Breetzke was named Player of the Match for his century and three catches in the field. Keshav Maharaj’s four-wicket spell was rated the top individual bowling performance of the match, with South Africa’s spin attack collecting six wickets between them in the innings, matching the joint-highest tally by South African spinners against Australia in an ODI innings.
Captains’ Reaction
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said, ‘Very satisfied. All round it was a good fight from the batters and the bowlers. Looking at how both innings started, both of them we were under pressure but we managed to get ourselves to a competitive total with the bat and similarly with the bowling as well.’
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said, ‘Pretty disappointing. South Africa outplayed us. I think they got 100 runs off the last 10 overs. We fell well short tonight.’
Series Standing And What Comes Next
The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The teams moved to the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the second ODI, played on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with South Africa looking to seal the series and Australia aiming to keep the contest alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the South Africa vs Australia 1st ODI?
South Africa won the first ODI by 67 runs, defending a total of 297 for 8 in Durban.
Who was named Player of the Match in the South Africa vs Australia ODI?
Matthew Breetzke was named Player of the Match for his 112-run knock and three catches.
What was Keshav Maharaj’s bowling figures in the match?
Keshav Maharaj finished with figures of 4 for 20 as South Africa’s spinners dismantled the Australian middle order.
Where was the South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI played?
The second ODI between South Africa and Australia was played at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on September 27, 2026.
What is the current score in the South Africa vs Australia ODI series?
South Africa lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after their win in the series opener in Durban.