South Africa vs Australia 1st ODI 2026: Match Report, Scorecard and Player Highlights
South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI of the series at Kingsmead, Durban, on 24 September 2026, played on Heritage Day, a South African national holiday. Matthew Breetzke’s century and a spin-led collapse decided the match. Here is the full report.
Scorecard summary
| Team | Score | Key performers |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 297 for 8 | Matthew Breetzke 112 (106 balls), Marco Jansen 75 (59 balls); Ellis 3 for 57 |
| Australia | 230 all out (41.2 overs) | Mitchell Marsh 60; Keshav Maharaj 4 for 20, Bjorn Fortuin 2 wickets |
Result: South Africa won by 67 runs and lead the series 1-0. Matthew Breetzke was named Player of the Match.
How the match went
South Africa’s innings
Batting first, South Africa built a big total on a good batting surface. Breetzke scored the second ODI century of his career, and Marco Jansen’s powerful 75 off 59 balls, equalling his career best, took the innings to 297 for 8. Australia’s Ellis was the best of their bowlers with 3 for 57.
A flying start for Australia
Chasing 298, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head raced to 90 inside ten overs. Marsh reached his fifty off 31 balls, including a 104-metre six over the leg side. South Africa’s seamers struggled with their lengths in the early overs.
The spinners turn it around
- Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj ended Marsh’s stay, caught at cover by Breetzke, and bowled a first spell of four overs for 13 runs and a wicket.
- Jansen removed Head, who top-edged to deep third, and left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin took his first wicket when Josh Inglis gloved a reverse-sweep to slip.
- Connolly was caught at long-on by David Miller with a sliding catch, and Maharaj then had Cameron Green caught at long-on and Jack Edwards caught at slip. Australia were 188 for 6, needing 110 off 20.3 overs.
The catch that ended the chase
Matt Renshaw was on 31 and looking to keep Australia in the game when he pulled Gerald Coetzee to the boundary, where Marco Jansen took a one-handed catch at full stretch, his fingers inches off the ground. Australia were 215 for 7 and needed 83 off 82 balls. They lost their last nine wickets for 101 runs.
Players in the spotlight
- Matthew Breetzke: 112 and the match award. See our Matthew Breetzke profile.
- Marco Jansen: a career-equalling 75 with the bat, four catches in the field including the one described above, and wickets with the ball.
- Keshav Maharaj: 4 for 20.
- Mitchell Marsh: 60 off the top of Australia’s order.
Team news
South Africa played without Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka, yet still opened their home international season with a big win. Australia, the reigning World Cup holders, are touring South Africa for the 2026-27 series.
What next
The series continues with the next ODI. Check the official Cricket South Africa or Cricket Australia schedule for the venue and start time.
