South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in first ODI as Breetzke scores 112
Matthew Breetzke's 112 helps South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in Durban ODI opener.
Matthew Breetzke scored 112 off 106 balls to lead South Africa to 297 for 8 and a 67-run win over Australia in the first ODI in Durban on Thursday. Marco Jansen supported with 75 off 59 as the pair added crucial runs in the middle order.
Australia replied with 230 after Mitchell Marsh made 60 off 36 and Travis Head scored 36. Keshav Maharaj took 4 for 20 and Bjorn Fortuin claimed 2 for 34 as South Africa’s spinners restricted the visitors after an opening stand of 90.
Australia lost their last nine wickets for 101 runs. Marsh said his side failed to build partnerships. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the team fought back after slow starts in both innings.
CricHubb Take
Australia’s top-order collapses in the chase exposed a pattern that could be exploited again if South Africa maintain pressure through the middle overs.