Australia Suffers Series Defeat Against South Africa

MACKAY: The Australian cricket team, current world champions, faced another setback with an 84-run loss to South Africa in the second ODI held at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday.

This defeat hands South Africa the three-match series, with one match remaining on Sunday at the same venue.

This series loss marks Australia’s third consecutive defeat in this format, a streak not seen since 2019 for the six-time world champions in bilateral ODI series.

Australia’s difficulties in bilateral ODI series began last November, with a 2-1 defeat against Pakistan.

Following that, the Baggy Greens toured Sri Lanka for a two-match series in February of this year, losing both encounters.

Their most recent victory in a bilateral ODI series was in September 2024, where they narrowly defeated England 3-2.

Their last ODI victory was during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, where they overcame England in a high-scoring Group B match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

In the crucial second ODI, the Australian side, pursuing a target of 278, were dismissed for a low score of 193 in 37.4 overs.

Josh Inglis demonstrated resilience for Australia, scoring a top score of 87 from 74 balls, including 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Lungi Ngidi stood out for South Africa, claiming five wickets for 42 runs in 8.4 overs.

After choosing to bat first, the Proteas’ batting lineup posted a total of 277 in 49.1 overs on a pitch that proved challenging.

Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs played key roles, each scoring half-centuries.

Breetzke led with a score of 88 off 78 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes, while Stubbs contributed 74 from 87 balls, with three fours and a six.