Home
Lungi Ngidi packed punch as South Africa notched a clinical 84-run win over Australia in the second ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Queensland on August 22. With this South Africa clinched the three-match series 2-0 with a match to spare, which will be played on August 24. This was South Africa's fifth back-to-back ODI series win against Australia.
South Africa bulldoze Australia in 2nd ODI to win series
Batting first South Africa posted a competitive total of 277, thanks to Matthew Breetzke's impressive 78-ball 88 and Tristan Stubbs' 87-ball 74. In reply, Lungi Ngidi broke Australia's back with a fiery fifer (5/42) and eventually folded them for 193.
Australia is in the midst of a concerning slump in ODIs, having now lost seven of their last eight matches. The recent defeat to South Africa is just the latest in a string of poor results. Since last November, the team has managed to secure only a single victory in the 50-over format—a win over England during this year's Champions Trophy. This dismal run includes a series of losses to major cricketing nations. Following their victory in the Champions Trophy, Australia has suffered multiple defeats in bilateral series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and most recently, South Africa. The team's inability to find a winning rhythm has raised significant questions about their form and strategy in the lead-up to future international tournaments.
After electing to bat, South Africa found themselves in early trouble, slumping to 23/2 before losing Tony de Zorzi with the score under 100. However, a crucial 89-run partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs stabilised their innings and South Africa began their recovery. Despite a brief Australian comeback, Stubbs continued to push the scoreboard forward, battling with the tailenders. Australia managed to trigger a mini-collapse, taking South Africa from 179/3 to 233/6, thanks in part to Adam Zampa's three-wicket haul, which ultimately restricted the Proteas to a total of 277 all out.
Australia's chase got off to an even worse start. They lost both Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne for single-digit scores, and skipper Mitchell Marsh also fell before the 10-over mark. A much-needed recovery came from a partnership between Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, which propelled Australia past the 100-run mark. However, the momentum shifted once again when Senuran Muthusamy broke their stand, and a collapse was triggered by Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger. Inglis, who was the anchor of the innings, eventually fell in the 36th over, and Australia’s tail failed to wag. They were ultimately bowled out for just 193, handing South Africa another dominant victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
