In the second ODI between Australia and South Africa at Mackay, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs scored crucial half-centuries as the Proteas were bundled out for 277 runs in 49.1 overs.
After opting to bat first, South Africa’s innings had a shaky start as captain Aiden Markram was dismissed for a four-ball duck and Ryan Rickelton managed only eight runs. Tony de Zorzi added 38 runs, but wickets kept falling, leaving the visitors at 90 for 3.
Breetzke and Stubbs then steadied the innings with a vital 89-run partnership. Breetzke played brilliantly, scoring 88 runs off 78 balls with eight boundaries and two maximums. On the other hand, Stubbs anchored the innings with 74 runs off 87 balls, hitting three boundaries and one maximum. Their stand lifted South Africa and gave stability to the middle order.
After Breetzke was caught by Alex Carey off Nathan Ellis at deep square leg, South Africa’s innings began to lose momentum. Dewald Brevis managed only one run, while Wiaan Mulder added 26 runs, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Stubbs was dismissed by Adam Zampa in the 44th over, which reduced the chance of posting a big total.
Keshav Maharaj added valuable unbeaten 22 runs, helping South Africa cross the 270-run mark before being bowled out.
Australia’s bowling was led by Adam Zampa, who picked up three wickets for 63 runs. Nathan Ellis, Marnus Labuschagne, and Xavier Bartlett claimed two wickets each, while Josh Hazlewood also chipped in with one wicket.
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