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Matthew Breetzke’s brilliant 88 and Tristan Stubbs’ composed 74 laid a strong foundation for South Africa in Mackay, but Australia’s spinners orchestrated a dramatic collapse to restrict the visitors to 277 all out.

The young South African duo shared a crucial 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket, rescuing their team from early trouble at 23 for 2. However, Adam Zampa (3-63) and Marnus Labuschagne combined to take five wickets between them, triggering a stunning middle-order collapse that saw South Africa lose their last five wickets for just 44 runs.

Breetzke Continues His Golden Run

The 26-year-old Breetzke has emerged as ODI cricket’s most consistent newcomer, notching his fourth consecutive half-century in just four matches. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring elegant drives and his signature leg-side flicks. The right-hander particularly enjoyed Aaron Hardie’s bowling, smashing him for 16 runs in a single over with two towering sixes over fine leg.

Breetzke looked set for a maiden century but fell agonizingly short on 88, caught at deep square leg while attempting to pull Nathan Ellis. His dismissal at 233 for 4 marked the beginning of South Africa’s dramatic slide.

Australian bowler celebrates after dismissing a South African batsman during the crucial middle overs

Stubbs Breaks His Drought

Tristan Stubbs finally found form after struggling in recent internationals, crafting his first fifty in 16 innings across all formats. The powerful middle-order batter showed glimpses of his destructive best, launching Zampa’s googly over midwicket for six and executing a delightful reverse-sweep against Travis Head.

His patient 74 gave South Africa hope of posting a 300-plus total, but questionable shot selection in the death overs proved costly. Stubbs skied Zampa to midwicket in the 44th over, continuing South Africa’s self-destruction.

Australia’s Spin Web

Mitchell Marsh’s clever captaincy saw him rotate his spinners effectively on a slow Mackay surface. The trio of Zampa, Head, and Labuschagne bowled 17 overs between them, conceding just 94 runs while picking up five crucial wickets.

Marnus Labuschagne and captain Mitchell Marsh celebrate a crucial breakthrough

Labuschagne, often overlooked as a bowling option, proved particularly effective during the crucial phase. He removed Wiaan Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy in quick succession, derailing South Africa’s plans for a strong finish. The part-timer’s success highlighted Australia’s bowling depth ahead of the chase.

Nathan Ellis complemented the spinners perfectly with his variations, finishing with 2 for 46. Xavier Bartlett impressed in his third ODI, dismissing stand-in captain Aiden Markram for a fourth-ball duck to set the tone early.

South Africa’s innings ended with five balls unused when Josh Hazlewood bowled Lungi Ngidi in the 50th over. The total of 277 sets up a fascinating contest, with Australia needing to overcome their recent batting struggles to level the series.

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