Cricket
Ngidi brilliance guides Proteas to series victory─── MORGAN PIEK 14:24 Fri, 22 Aug 2025
The Proteas have wrapped up the three-match One-Day International series against Australia with an emphatic 84-run victory in Mackay on Friday, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Batting first at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, South Africa were bowled out for 277 in 49.1 overs. Matthew Breetzke top-scored with a fluent 88 off 78 balls, while Tristan Stubbs added a steady 74 off 87 deliveries. Tony de Zorzi chipped in with a valuable 38.
For Australia, spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/63 in his 10 overs. Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett each picked up two wickets apiece.
Matthew Breetzke. Photo: Cricinfo
In reply, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis struck a brisk 87 from 74 balls, while Cameron Green made a patient 35. But the star of the show was Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi, who produced a match-winning spell of 5/42 in 8.4 overs – his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
He was well supported by all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, who returned figures of 2/30, and left-arm seamer Nandré Burger, who took 2/23.
Following their 98-run win on Tuesday, the Proteas’ back-to-back victories secured the series with a game to spare.
Reflecting on his performance, Ngidi said it came down to winning the mental battle against the Australians. “It’s always a tough challenge – the guys put you under pressure,” Ngidi said.
“We’ve seen throughout the series how Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head have really taken the game to us up front. Today was about character, and against Australia, it usually is.
“I just tried to stay strong mentally and make the most of the assistance that was on offer. For me, it was about utilising that and fighting back. Every time you play Australia, it’s a mental battle.”
Tristan Stubbs. Photo: Cricinfo
This was, however, the first ever win at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in men’s ODI cricket, as the only previous match at the ground was during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, when India and Sri Lanka played to a no result.
Meanwhile, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad will announce his squad on Saturday for the upcoming tour of England.
The third and final ODI will also be played in Mackay on Sunday, with the first ball set to be bowled at 06:30.
