South Africa vs Australia: Proteas seal ODI series 2-0

MACKAY: The Proteas sealed the South Africa vs Australia three-match ODI series with a commanding 84-run victory over in the second game on Friday, powered by half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs and a five-wicket haul from Lungi Ngidi.

Batting first, the Proteas recovered from early blows to post 277 in 49.1 overs.

Breetzke anchored the innings with a composed 88 off 95 balls, while Stubbs added a brisk 74.

Tony de Zorzi chipped in with 38, and Keshav Maharaj struck an unbeaten 22 down the order.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

The Proteas followed up a dominant bowling display in the first ODI with another clinical performance in the second. 👏🇿🇦

They win the second ODI by 84 runs, sealing the series 2-0 with one match left to play. 🏏🔥#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/j9C3EamZUi

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 22, 2025

For Australia, Adam Zampa claimed 3-63, Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett took two apiece, while Marnus Labuschagne grabbed 2-19.

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In reply, Australia faltered under scoreboard pressure and were bundled out for 193 in 37.4 overs.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis resisted with a fighting 87 off 90 balls, but lacked support as wickets tumbled around him.

Cameron Green scored 35, while no other batter crossed 20. Ngidi spearheaded the Proteas attack with a superb 5-42, his third ODI five-for, while Senuran Muthusamy and Nandre Burger picked up two each.

With this win, South Africa went 2-0 up in the series, leaving Australia with only pride to play for in the final ODI.

Proteas’ bowling strength vs Aussies’ fitness struggles

Analysts believe it was South Africa’s dominant bowling display in the first ODI, followed by a clinical performance in the second, that powered them to claim the series against The Invincibles.

However, some also point to Australia’s fitness standards, which they say “are all down to the dogs right now.”

That's a fifth wicket secured for Lungi Ngidi and the series for South Africa! @BKTtires | #PlayoftheDay | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/xkjSlbB9yc

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2025

According to critics, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Hazlewood are visibly out of shape. One even claimed, “The ringleader of nepotism and a mediocre cricketer, Mitchell Marsh, has zero fitness standards.”

Only Nathan Ellis, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey are said to be in pristine condition.

Analysts also believe that South Africa’s fantastic performance against Australia has suddenly made them look like a very strong contender for the home World Cup in two years’ time.