South Africa vs Australia AUS in SA, 3 ODIs, 2026, Full Score Card

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Fittingly, Breetzke, the centurion, takes the catch and South Africa win by 67 runs! There are smiles all around the Proteas' camp as they have defended a total on a surface that only got better for batting. And more importantly, with a bowling unit looking thin on experience with several of their premier pacers injured. It is the arm ball from Maharaj, full and around middle, and Zampa is done in by the one that doesn't turn. He gets down on one knee for the slog sweep, but it balloons off the top edge and skews towards deep square leg. Breetzke charges in from the ropes and slides forward to gather it. Australia have been bowled out for 230. Maharaj finishes off with a spectacular four-wicket haul, and that is the end of it.

Darted in from around the stumps. Skids through from a length, on middle and leg, Zampa tucks it to the mid-wicket region.

South Africa just one step away from taking a 1-0 lead in the series. This is a massive nosedive for the Aussies as they slip from 129/1 to 230/9. Josh Hazlewood is the last man in for Australia.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Corbin Bosch gets his second, and South Africa can see the finish line here. He hits the deck hard, just around off, and holds up in the surface a bit. Nathan Ellis opens up his stance and goes for the big heave across the line but only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. The Proteas are one wicket away from the win.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Adam Zampa pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.

FOUR! Up and over! Back of a length and just outside off. Adam Zampa stands tall, extends his arms and slaps it over mid off for a one-bounce four.

Fuller delivery, on off, Adam Zampa drives it towards mid off.

Hard length and on off, angling in, Nathan Ellis backs away and does well to get some bat on it to guide it towards deep third for a single.

Short of a length and outside off, Nathan Ellis slashes at it but misses.

Powerplay 3! Now, five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the end of the game. However, South Africa will want to keep more catching fielders to wrap things up here.

Second maiden for Maharaj! 9-2-20-3 so far for him. Full and outside off, Zampa strides across and keeps it out to the off side.

Drops it full and on off, Zampa stretches out and defends.

Slows it up, full on the stumps, carefully defended by Zampa.

Half an appeal for LBW, but not given. Only Maharaj looks interested. Tossed up around middle and leg at 79.7 kph, and it skids on with the arm. Zampa goes for the sweep and misses, and the ball raps him on the front pad, though it is sliding down leg.

Slides in with the arm, ona length, tucked off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Full and tossed on off, drifting in, Zampa blocks it to the off side.

Keshav Maharaj comes back into the attack. South Africa going for the kill now.

Too full and outside off, crunched away by Zampa to deep point for a single. Australia need 74 runs from 66 balls!

Hammers it on a length, on top of off, Zampa plays off the back foot and blocks.

Short of a good length, on off stump, tailing back in. Zampa awkwardly blocks it off the back foot to mid on.

Short on the body, pulled off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

So close to disaster! Full and around off, and it tails back in late. Zampa opens the face to drive towards cover, but the ball sneaks through the gate, kisses the inside edge and misses the stumps by a whisker. It runs away to fine leg, and they pinch a single.

Into the tail now. Adam Zampa comes out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT BY JANSEN! A lot easier this time for the tall pacer. And this match just keeps drifting away from the Aussies. On a hard length by Bosch, on off with bounce. Mitchell Starc stands tall and tries to club it over long on, but his bat twists at the point of contact and the ball sails towards long on. It dips on Jansen there but he crouches, goes on his haunches and takes a fine catch with a reverse cup. Arms aloft from Bosch, and he has earned this one. It is his first wicket on a day when he has leaked a few too many runs, and it leaves Australia in trouble at 221/8, chasing 298.

WIDE! Shortish, down leg, Starc misses the tickle. Half an appeal for caught behind, but it is called a wide. But there was surely some noise when the ball zipped through.

Corbin Bosch rejoins the attack.

Short and around off, Starc goes deep inside the crease and punches it through covers for a single.

Fuller and floated outside off, spinning in. Starc clears the front leg, gets down on his back knee and slogs it over mid-wicket. Tony de Zorzi swoops to his right in the deep and keeps it down to two runs.

Dragged back, around off, Mitchell Starc swats it towards mid off.

A bit short, on off, Nathan Ellis punches it towards long off for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Nathan Ellis pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Nathan Ellis knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Short of a length, angling in around and around from round the wicket. Starc swings across the line, but the ball gets past the inside edge and strikes him high on the back pad.

Back of a length around middle and leg. Ellis nudges it towards deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length, on top of off, Ellis hops and steers it to backward point.

Cannons in a full ball, on middle, Nathan Ellis jams the bat down and squeezes it back at the bowler.

Marco Jansen, what have you just done? Not only has he pulled off an absolute blinder, but he may well have just grabbed the match for South Africa with that stunning effort. Nathan Ellis walks out to bat next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, my days! That is a generational catch from Jansen, absolutely stunning stuff. The South African players swarm around him, and they know this is the game for them now. It is even more special when you consider how hard it is for someone of his height to get down and pull this off. Banged very short by Gerald, and Renshaw pulls it in the air, well in front of square on the leg side. Jansen sprints across from deep square leg and dives full length, with his right hand outstretched, and it sticks in the gap between index finger and thumb, just inches above the ground. The on-field umpires want to have a second look at it and the replay confirms it is a clean catch. Matt Renshaw cannot quite believe it and trudges off after getting a good start. Australia are 215/7, needing 83 runs from 82 balls.

FOUR! Smashed! Overpitched delivery, full on off, Matt Renshaw muscles it wide of mid on for a boundary.

Shortish and on the leg stump. Steered off the back foot to backward square leg for a single.

Full and around off. Renshaw drops down on one knee and reverse sweeps, but it bobbles up and drops just short of the fielder at short third.

Great commitment from Rickelton! It has saved South Africa a couple of runs. Tossed up and far outside off. Renshaw presses forward and reaches for it, lofting it over the top of mid off. Rickelton gives chase from mid off and dives near the ropes, flicking the ball back into play just in time. The replay shows that he has flicked the ball back in before diving over the ropes.

Shortish delivery, on off, Matt hangs back and stabs it down the strip.

Full and around off, Starc punches it to covers for a single.

Short of a length, wide outside off stump, and it lands and straightens just enough to make Starc think twice. He stays back and looks to punch it through cover, but the ball finds the outside edge instead. It trickles away to the right of deep third, and they scamper back for two.

WOW! A toe-crushing yorker, full on the stumps, Matt Renshaw's head falls over but he manages to jam the bat down in time and squeezes it out to backward point. Excellent comeback over from Coetzee as he bowls a maiden.

Skids low off the surface, the off-cutter that angles in and around off. Renshaw looks to defend but the ball grazes the underedge and rolls off the pads.

Nagging length, holding on the surface a touch, outside off, Matt stands tall and steers it to backward point. Four back-to-back dots by Coetzee.

Fuller and outside the off stump. Renshaw drives it on the bounce to Bavuma at cover. Temba collects it to his right. Good crowd catch.

Overpitched, outside off, Matt carves it away. A fine stop by Bjorn Fortuin at backward point.

Around the stump, full outside off, Renshaw creams it straight to Bavuma at extra cover.

With 34 overs bowled, South Africa will pick one of the two balls to continue for the rest of the innings. Also, Gerald Coetzee (6-0-35-0) comes back into the attack.

The length is pulled back by a couple of yards, and Starc stabs it off the back foot to Bjorn. Just 2 runs from the last 3 overs for Australia. Pressure building as they need 93 more off 96 balls.

Stump-to-stump, full, Starc blocks it straight back at the bowler.

Flatter and on middle, Starc hangs back and taps it across to short mid-wicket.

This is quicker and shorter on the pads, 97.1 kph, Renshaw walks across and tickles it to the left of short fine leg for a single.

Drops the pace down a bit, full on off, Renshaw taps it to short mid-wicket.

Floated fuller, on off, clipped off the pads to short mid-wicket.

Bjorn Fortuin is back on.

Fuller than a length, on off, Starc prods forward and strokes it to wide mid off. Australia need 94 runs from 102 balls.

Slams it hard into the pitch, short outside off, Starc lets it be.

Straighter on the pads, Renshaw clips the full ball to deep square leg for an easy single.

Ninth consecutive dot ball. Back of a length, on off, blocked off the back foot by Matt.

Fullish and outside off. Let through.

Short of a good length around fourth stump. Renshaw blocks it to backward point.

Maiden from Maharaj. Simply brilliant. His figures read 8-1-20-3 so far. Length ball, spinning in from outside off, Starc goes deep in the crease to block.

Beaten! How has that missed the stumps? Hands on head for South Africa. Back of a length, and it bites off the surface before turning back in with real venom. Starc stays rooted to the crease and goes looking for the tuck, but the ball beats his inside edge. Instead, the ball thuds into the flap of the back pad, then grazes the back leg on its way over the off stump and dies in the hands of Jansen at first slip.

Pushed through, full on the stumps, clipped across to Bavuma at short mid-wicket.

Shortish and quicker, on middle, Starc tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Tight on the stumps and this is nudged to short mid-wicket.

Short, spinning in, Starc hangs back and punches it to the off side.

FOUR! Not good bowling from Jansen. Full but on the pads, Matt Renshaw uses the pace and tickles it behind to deep fine leg for a boundary.  14 runs off the over which also brings the 200 up for Australia. They need 95 runs to win.

On a length, Starc stands tall and drags it from outside off towards wide mid on for a single.

A touch fuller on middle, Starc punches it to mid off.

FOUR! Into the gap! Juicy full toss on the stumps. Starc clears the front leg and heaves it to the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Australia need exactly 100 runs to win!

Nips in a touch, full into the body, Starc pushes at it, gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to square leg. Uh, oh! That's a No Ball as Jansen has overstepped. Free Hit up next.

FOUR! Picked up nicely! Back of a length, around off, Starc mistimes the pull shot but still manages to power it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Hits the length hard, on off, Starc rocks back and knocks it to cover.

43/3 in the 21-30 over phase for Australia. They still require 109 runs from 120 balls. Marco Jansen (5-0-49-1) is back on, replacing Corbin Bosch.

Dragged back, on off, Mitchell Starc nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Mitchell Starc looks to drive but gets another inside edge as the ball goes nowhere.

Flighted, full and on off, Mitchell Starc knocks it off the inner half of the bat down the pitch.

This is top-drawer spin bowling from Maharaj. The Australians are getting consumed by the left-arm turners in Durban, losing five of the six wickets to them. Mitchell Starc is in at number 8.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Keshav Maharaj has done it again, and South Africa are very much back in the game. This is a floated delivery, full and around off, turns away a shy bit. Jack Edwards commits on the front foot too early as he gets beaten by the flight. He tries to push at it and gets a thin outside edge towards first slip, where the towering figure of Marco Jansen gets low nicely and takes a sharp catch just inches above the ground. Australia are 188/6, still needing 110 runs in 123 balls.

Drops it short, around leg, Matt Renshaw flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a single.

Top effort! Tossed up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw uses his feet and drills it down the ground, wide of long on. David Miller runs a long way to his right and dives to stop it with one hand. Two taken.

Hard length and just outside off, Matt Renshaw opens the bat face and guides it towards deep third for one more.

On a length and on middle, Jack Edwards clips it through square leg for one.

Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Jack Edwards slashes at it but misses.

Touch fuller and on off, Jack Edwards strides out and drives it towards mid off.

Back of a length and on off, Jack Edwards tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

Nearly sneaks through! He bowls this in the blockhole, on middle, tails in a bit. Matt Renshaw almost gets too late to get his bat down in time but the ball catches the inside edge and rolls towards fine leg for a single.

Dragged back, on off, Jack Edwards stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Jack Edwards tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on off, Matt Renshaw goes down and reverse sweeps it towards point for a run.

Drops it short, on off, Jack Edwards swats it down to long on for a single.

And again! Flighted, full and on off, turns away. Jack Edwards lunges out to block but gets beaten on the outside edge once more.

Play and a miss! Tossed up, full and around off, grips and turns away. Jack Edwards gets drawn forward to defend but the ball spins past the outside edge.

There is a brief pause as the floodlights are switched on. It has turned fairly dark, with the sun now concealed behind the clouds. There is no threat of rain, but play has been held up simply because the day is fading and we are waiting for the lights to come into full effect. The umpires take this opportunity to call DRINKS on the ground. Australia appeared to be cruising early in the chase, but South Africa have produced an excellent fightback in the last few overs. Their left-arm spin duo of Maharaj and Fortuin has put the batters under immense pressure, forcing them into a couple of rash strokes. They have shared four wickets so far, two each, while conceding just 37 runs from their combined 10 overs. For Australia, this particular partnership is very crucial as there's not much batting left after this. South Africa will look to break this wall and give themselves a big chance. And after a loooooooong wait, we are good to resume, under the lights.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Jack Edwards rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Short of a length and around off, Matt Renshaw opens the bat face and guides it towards deep third for one.

Hard length and on leg, Matt Renshaw steps across to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Back of a length and around off, Jack Edwards steers it wide of point. Bjorn Fortuin gets a good hand on it to make a half-stop. They cross.

Good length and on off, Jack Edwards blocks it down the pitch.

Fuller and around off, Jack Edwards strides out and steers it to point.

Dragged back, on middle, Matt Renshaw steps across and keeps it out to the off side.

Flatter, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw clips it to short mid-wicket.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Short and around leg, Jack Edwards clips it through square leg for a single. His first run in ODI cricket.

That is some poor shot selection from Inglis, Connolly and now Green. Australia had the game firmly under control while Marsh and Head were at the crease, but three loose dismissals have handed that advantage back to South Africa. The debutant, Jack Edwards, comes in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN! Keshav Maharaj strikes immediately after returning to the attack. He keeps this one flatter, short and around middle. Cameron Green rocks back, looking to pull it away, but the ball gets big on him and catches the top half of the bat. It balloons towards wide long on, where Matthew Breetzke gets underneath it comfortably and holds on. Australia lose half their side now.

Tossed up, full and on off, Cameron Green pushes it to short cover.

Halfway through the chase. Australia are 176/4, needing 122 runs. At the same stage, South Africa were 125/4. But still, it is nicely poised at the moment because if the Proteas manage to break this partnership, they will have a real chance with not much batting left after Edwards, who is on debut. A change in bowling as Keshav Maharaj replaces Bjorn Fortuin. 1/13 in 4 overs so far.

On a length and on off, Cameron Green pushes it through covers for one more.

Hard length and on leg, Matt Renshaw fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads to the right of the keeper and the batters set off for the leg bye. QDK swiflty moves to his right, slides to pick the ball up and has a shy at the batter's end all in one motion but misses the stumps.

FOUR! And again! Good length but angling down the leg again. Matt Renshaw reaches out for it and flicks it away wide of deep backward square leg for four more runs.

FOUR! Not great bowling! Corbin Bosch errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side. Matt Renshaw just has to get some bat on it and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Full again and on off, Cameron Green drills it wide of mid off for a single.

Beauty! Fuller delivery, on off, straightens a bit off the deck. Cameron Green goes for the big drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Australia need 133 runs to win from 156 balls. Corbin Bosch (4-0-41-0) returns to the attack, replacing Gerald Coetzee.

Another short delivery, just around off, Cameron Green punches it through cover for one.

Arm ball, shortish and angling into leg. Cameron Green backs away but still gets cramped up and keeps it out to the off side.

Goes short, on leg, Matt Renshaw flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Nicely done! Floated, full and around off, turns in. Matt Renshaw takes a big stride out, gets his hands through the drive and crashes it through covers for a boundary.

Drops it short, outside off, Cameron Green cuts it away to deep point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Cameron Green drives it towards mid on.

On a length and on off, Matt Renshaw taps it out to the off side.

Much fuller and on middle, angling in, Matt Renshaw knocks it back to the bowler.

Short of a length and on off, Cameron Green runs it down to deep third for a run.

Hard length and on leg, Matt Renshaw clips it through square leg for a single.

Fuller and outside off, Matt Renshaw reaches out and steers it towards point.

Back of a length and around off, Matthew Breetzke stabs it out to cover.

Some concerns now in the Australian dressing room as the tourists slip from 129/1 to 156/4. First Inglis, and now Connolly, both got dismissed after playing needless shots. That brings Cameron Green in at number 6.

OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Bjorn Fortuin gets his second and removes the set batter. He flights it up, full and on middle, turns in a but and bounces a bit more as well. Cooper Connolly premeditates the slog sweep and goes down to play it but gets a fat top edge. It goes miles in the air behind mid on. David Miller sprints a long way forward from long on, keeps his eyes on the ball, and takes a fantastic catch with a slide forward. Australia are 156/4 now.

Dragged back, on off, Cooper Connolly punches it to short cover.

Floated, full and on off, Cooper Connolly fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw eases it down to long on for a run.

Slows it up, shortish and on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw clips it uppishly but through mid-wicket. A fumble from David Miller in the deep allows the second run.

Shorter in length and around leg, Cooper Connolly flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.

Bangs in a good bouncer at 133 clicks, on middle, Matt Renshaw ducks under it.

Good length and on middle, Matt Renshaw steps across and keeps it out on the pitch.

Pitched up, on leg, Matt Renshaw tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Hard length and around off, Cooper Connolly punches it towards extra cover for a run.

Back of a length and around leg, Matt Renshaw clips it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Pure timing! Fuller and on middle, angling in. Matt Renshaw gets his head over the ball, brings his wrists into play and flicks it away as the ball blazes through mid-wicket for a boundary. 150 up for Australia.

Quicker through the air, full on off, Cooper lunges forward and smothers the spin. After 20 overs, Australia are 146/3, needing 152 runs.

Quick, flat, short, on the body, Cooper rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Around off on a length, Matt gets across and tickles it to deep square leg for a single.

A touch short and on off, Cooper Connolly hangs back and steers it through square leg for an easy single.

Dropped short and spinning in, Cooper hangs back and knocks it back past the non-striker and down to long on's right for a couple of runs.

Flighted fuller and on off, Matt gets forward and runs it to long on for a single.

Nagging length, on top of off, Cooper hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket with soft hands.

FOUR! Loose ball from Gerald and it gets the treatment. Wide full toss, begging to be punished. Cooper Connolly frees his arms and smashes it through vacant backward point for a boundary. It goes to the fence like a tracer-bullet and Connolly moves to 33.

Action replay of the previous ball. Short, on top of the stumps, Cooper ducks underneath it.

Well-directed bouncer, on the middle stump line. Cooper safely dodges under it.

Very full and around off, stroked down to mid on by Connolly.

Fractionally full and outside off, Cooper slaps it through deep extra cover for a couple of runs.

WIDE! Back of a length, down the leg stump. Cooper plays and misses.

South Africa go bang bang in consecutive overs. Matt Renshaw is the next man in. Also, Gerald Coetzee is back on.

OUT! CAUGHT! Bjorn draws out the false shot and gets the reward. A bit of a needless attempt from Inglis as he looks to reverse-sweep the full ball which drifts into him. Gets a thick top edge due to extra bounce and grip and the ball bobbles up to the right of the first slip. Marco Jansen runs and completes the catch. Oh, the replay shows later that it goes off Head's gloves. From 90/0, Australia slip down to 134/3, needing 164 runs.

An in-angler on a length. Inglis backs away and knocks it back to the bowler.

On a fuller length, on off, Cooper sits down on a knee and sweeps it hard to deep backward square leg for a single.

Full and around off and middle, Inglis walks into the shot and drives it down to long off for a single.

On the pads, on a length, drifting in. Inglis misses the tickle and the ball deflects off the thigh pad and behind to short fine leg.

Full at the toes, Inglis tries to flick but the leading edge rolls the ball to covers.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, Cooper Connolly bunts it down the pitch. A profitable over for South Africa and Jansen. 3 singles and a huge wicket of Head from it.

A touch short and outside off, Josh steers it to deep point for a single.

Short outside off, Cooper punches it fluently to deep cover for a single.

Shortens the length, on middle, Inglis swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Full from around the stumps, on off, Inglis drives it crisply to short cover.

A wicket after the Drinks break, and how often we have seen this happen. Josh Inglis comes out to the middle now.

OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! Jansen with an enormous wicket for the Proteas. He bangs it on a good length, angling it into the batter and extracting a bit of bounce that makes Head uneasy in the shot. He looks to flick it off the back foot but only manages a massive leading edge that sails down the throat of deep third. David Miller lurks under it and gobbles it up with a reverse cup. Head was just going through his gears but falls and Australia are 129/2, chasing 298 runs.

Beaten! Lands it in thereabouts of the off stump, full and outside off. It goes with the arm and beats Cooper who looks to defend it forward. 5 runs off Bjorn's first. Australia need 169 runs.

Around off and on a fuller length, Cooper strokes it to mid off.

Tossed up, full around off, Cooper blocks it off the front foot.

Goes straight on, full and outside off, Cooper Connolly looks to block but plays inside the line and is beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Superb batting. Good loop on this one, but too full and outside off, Cooper Connolly lunges and drives it crisply to the left of cover for a boundary.

Over the stumps, full and spinning from outside off, Head tries to flick it across but closes the bat face early and a leading edge sends the ball rolling through cover-point for a single.

DRINKS! Australia are absolutely cruising along in this chase. Mitchell Marsh did the early damage before he was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj, but that has done little to stop the pair of Travis Head and Cooper Connolly from playing freely. There was a brief period after the Powerplay where South Africa squeezed things a bit, but the last over has once again shifted the momentum. However, the pitch has something for the spinners, and the hosts will hope that they can slow things down in the middle overs, while also chipping in with the wickets. Here is Bjorn Fortuin to bowl after the break.

FOUR! A shot of pure class from Connolly. Jansen overpitches this one, serving up a juicy half-volley outside off, and Connolly leans into it with a flowing drive. He pierces the gap between cover and mid-off, sending the ball racing away to the boundary. 13 runs come from the over, leaving Jansen with figures of 0/46 after four. It has been an expensive outing for the all-rounder.

SIX! Dumped into the stands! Short from Marco, outside the off stump. Cooper picks the length in a trice, sets a strong base for himself and pulls it marvellously over deep mid-wicket for a sizzling six.

Spears in full and on middle, Head flicks it off the pads to deep mid-wicket. Tony de Zorzi runs to his right from deep square leg and keeps it down to a single.

Swing and a miss! Good length outside off, holds its line and beats Head's attempted square cut off the back foot.

At 126.1 kph, on a good length, on off, Cooper tries to unleash the square cut on the off side but the ball cuts in and takes the inside edge and rolls to square leg. One run taken.

Hammers it on a length, outside off, Head dabs it through short third and they stroll around for a single.

Marco Jansen replaces Corbin Bosch.

Fabulous bowling from Maharaj. Just a single from this over. Pushed through, full and on off, Cooper stretches forward and defends it back to the bowler.

Slightly pulls the length back, does Keshav, on middle. Travis Head hangs back and tucks it to the right of short mid-wicket. Breetzke puts in a dive and parries the ball to mid on for a single.

Flighted up, full and on leg, Head flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Another length ball, and this is knocked across by Head. Breetzke is not letting it go anywhere with a dive.

Outside off, spinning in from a length. Head covers the line and blocks.

Zips through and spins in from off, on a length. Head somehow gets bat on the ball off the back foot.

On a length, on off, Cooper hangs back and knocks it to covers.

Slightly fuller and on off, angling in, blocked away to the cover region.

FOUR! Smashed through the gap! Too full and straight from around the stumps. Cooper Connolly gets forward and creams it into the cover gap for a cracking boundary.

Excellent work by Bavuma. Slanting into the batter, full in length, Cooper Connolly flicks it to the mid-wicket region where Bavuma dives full-length to his right to make a fine stop.

WIDE! Good-length delivery, but down the leg side. Cooper shapes up for the pull shot but misses.

Nagging length, outside off, angling away. Head cuts it square, a bit uppishly, but in the cover-point gap, for a single.

Short of a length, on top of off, angled in, Cooper hops back and stabs it through covers for a single.

Pitched full again and this is swept flatly and on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Full and around off, spinning in, Head clips it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

Lands it full and outside off, Cooper Connolly drives it inside out to deep cover for a single.

Just short! Breetzke nearly pulled off another screamer. On a fuller length, slightly holding on the surface and spinning in from off. Cooper Connolly tries to flick but chips it away as he is a bit early on the shot. Luckily for him, the ball goes on the bounce and yorks Matthew Breetzke's fingers as he dives forward at short mid-wicket.

Fuller and on off, Head clips it gently down to long on for a single. 100 up for Australia​​​​​​! In 11.2 overs.

Not that short, but Head opts to play off the back foot and has a swipe at it. The ball goes off the inside half towards square leg.

Much better from Bosch this time. He bowls it full and around off, Cooper strokes it to mid off. Just 3 singles from this over.

Hits the hard length, on top of off, Connolly watchfully blocks it down the pitch.

Length-delivery, on leg, Head tucks it off the back foot to square leg for a single. Australia need 199 runs!

A direct hit may have seen the end of Connolly. Great piece of fielding from Fortuin. Length-delivery, on off, Cooper rides the bounce and taps it to the left of point and sets off for a quick single. Bjorn Fortuin gets across quickly and fires in a rocket throw at the bowling end, but misses his shy, allowing Cooper to skate through.

In-between length, on leg, Head tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length, angled across the batter. Head does not move his feet at all and swings hard to access the off side, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Done with the Powerplay. Australia are motoring well with 96/1 on the board. At the same stage, South Africa were 40/2. Time for Powerplay 2 now. The Proteas will be allowed to have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring from 11-40 overs. Corbin Bosch continues...

Drops it short, around leg, Cooper Connolly nudges it to short fine.

Flighted, full and on off, Cooper Connolly knocks it to mid off.

Flatter, full and on off, Cooper Connolly drills it through covers for a brace.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! This is slower through the air, full and on off, grips and turns in sharply. Cooper Connolly looks to push it away but gets beaten on the inside edge. It goes over the stumps and Quinton de Kock also fails to stop it as the ball rolls to the fence behind for a boundary.

Breetzke can do no wrong in this match. He is absolutely pumped up and so is Maharaj. Cooper Connolly is in at number 3. Coming fresh off a very productive ODI series against Zimbabwe, where he scored a couple of impressive half-centuries.

OUT! TAKEN! Keshav Maharaj has the big breakthrough, and it’s the Australian skipper who has to go. He tosses this one up full and on off, with the ball dipping in slightly. Marsh backs away and throws his hands at it, looking to drive through the off side, but doesn’t keep the shot down. It flies towards short cover, where Matthew Breetzke dives forward and takes a superb low catch. Marsh stands there for a moment in disbelief, knowing he had a golden opportunity to turn this into a hundred. Australia are 90/1, chasing 298 runs.

Floated, full and around off, Travis Head drags it towards long on for a single.

SIX! The Aussie skipper is enjoying his batting here! Dug into the surface, just outside off. Mitchell Marsh is not going to spare this one. He stands tall and swats it over the long on fence for another biggie.

Short of a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it down towards point.

Hard length and around off, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh has a tentative push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A good yorker, on off, swings in a bit, Mitchell Marsh is late to get his bat down in time and misses.

That's dumped out of the ground by the Bison. A gentleman on the road outside the stadium tracks it down and pockets it as a souvenir. Out comes the fourth umpire with a box of replacement balls. The on-field umpire picks a fresh one and we are good to resume.

SIX! FIFTY FOR MARSH! Off just 31 balls. He gets to it with a bang as well, and this is his 6th ODI half-century against South Africa. Overall, that's his 22nd ODI fifty​​​​​​. Corbin Bosch lands this short of a length and on middle. Mitchell Marsh pounces on it in a flash and smokes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. It lands on the roof and goes out of the stadium for a 104-meter six.

Good length and on off, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line of it and blocks it out solidly.

Looped up, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh drives it to long off for a run.

Quicker, full and on leg, Mitchell Marsh backs away and taps it to short cover.

Drops it short, on off, Mitchell Marsh stabs it out to short cover.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Travis Head tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Travis Head flicks it away wide of deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. The throw comes in at his end, where Quinton de Kock breaks the stumps, but the replay shows that Head dragged his bat in time.

Floated, short and on off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and punches it on the bounce towards cover, who fumbles and allows a single.

Bavuma brings on the spinner inside the Powerplay to stop the leakage of runs. Here's Keshav Maharaj with a slip in. He replaces Gerald Coetzee.

On a length and around leg, Travis Head clips it to short fine this time. 19 runs off Bosch's first over.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Good length and angling into the pads. Travis Head just has to get some bat on it and he helps it past short fine for yet another boundary.

WIDE! Comes around the wicket, but once again pitches it up, angling down the leg side. Travis Head cannot get any bat on that. Third wide in a row.

WIDE! A slower one, full but again down the leg, Travis Head fails to glance it away. Another wide given.

WIDE! Hits the deck hard but just down the leg side, Travis Head tries to heave it away but misses. Wided.

FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! Hard length and around off, Travis Head gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through covers for four more runs.

FOUR! Just wide! Dug into the surface, on middle. Travis Head lifts his front leg up and pulls it away. It flies wide of mid-wicket, where Temba Bavuma flings himself to his left but fails to reach it as the ball goes away for another boundary.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Corbin Bosch loses his line and lands this back of a length but down the leg side. Travis Head glances it off his hips to the vacant fine leg fence for an easy boundary.

Short of a length and on off, Travis Head dabs it down to point.

Jansen gets a breather after going for a few too many, and that brings Corbin Bosch into the attack.

A low full toss, on off, takes pace off, Mitchell Marsh drills it away to extra cover.

FOUR! You just have to admire this batting! A half-volley, on off, not helping his cause, is Gerald Coetzee. Mitchell Marsh leans onto his drive and caresses it through covers for four more runs. 50 up for Australia in just 5.5 overs.

There appears to be an issue with the ball as the two umpires converge. Not really sure if it's about the shape of the ball or the Zing Bails malfunctioning. But it is eventually fixed, and we are good to resume.

FOUR! The 'Bison' is on the charge here! Gerald Coetzee sticks to the fuller length, on middle and leg. Mitchell Marsh holds his shape, shows the full face of the bat and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

Good fielding again! Full once more, on middle, Travis Head whips it with good timing wide of mid on. Corbin Bosch dives to his left and gets a good hand on it, saving a certain boundary. Just one.

A low full toss, just outside off, Travis Head drills it away but loses his bottom hand as the ball rolls towards extra cover.

Fuller and on middle, Travis Head clips it wide of mid-wicket, but Temba Bavuma dives to his right to make a fine one-handed stop.

This has been a very bright start for Australia in this chase. They have galloped to 44/0 in 5 overs. At the same stage, South Africa were 14/1. Massive gulf already.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh flicks it away wide of long on. Matthew Breetzke runs to his right and dives to push the ball back inside, saving a couple of runs. 17 runs off the over!

FOUR MORE! Top shot! Just back of a length but outside off. Mitchell Marsh gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point as the ball reaches the fence in a flash.

FOUR! Not in control, but gets the desired result! Marco Jansen bangs in a bumper around the left shoulder of the batter. Mitchell Marsh swivels and tries to heave it away but gets it off the inside half of the bat as the ball zips past square leg for a boundary.

Good-length delivery, on middle, Mitchell Marsh blocks it out.

SIX! Clean strike! Short of a length and around middle. Mitchell Marsh picks up the length in a trice, stands tall and whacks it over the wide long on fence for half a dozen more.

On a length and on middle, Travis Head tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. A sharp throw from Bavuma zips in at the striker's end and cannons off Marsh's pads, spinning away towards backward square leg. Both batters scream 'NO RUN'.

FOUR! Shouts of 'Catch it,' but no one's catching that! Gerald Coetzee errs in line a bit and serves this full but on the pads. Mitchell Marsh picks it off nicely and whips it away. It absolutely flies off the bat over the deep square leg fence for a flat six. Incredible timing.

Dug into the surface, on middle, holds up a bit on the surface. Mitchell Marsh goes for the big pull shot but goes through a bit early and gets hit on the elbow.

Back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh rides the bounce and pats it towards cover-point.

Full and on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh tucks it off the inner half of the bat towards short mid-wicket.

Just back of a length and on middle, angling in a bit. Mitchell Marsh tries to pull it away but misses and gets hit around the box. Shows no expression on his face, but that will hurt a bit.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Travis Head tucks it towards mid-wicket for the first single of the chase.

SIX! Into the crowd! Marco Jansen goes fuller but way outside off, offering width to the batter. Mitchell Marsh needs no second invitation and throws his hands at it, carving it over the deep extra cover for a biggie. It has been either dot balls or boundaries so far in this chase.

Beaten! Hard-length delivery with a scrambled seam, in the channel outside off, straightens off the deck. Mitchell Marsh plays inside the line of it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short of a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it down to point.

Marsh pulls away at the last second, distracted by movement behind the bowler's arm. The umpire steps in and stops Jansen mid-run-up, so the bowler has to walk back and reload.

Good length and on middle, shaping away, Mitchell Marsh looks to play it from the crease but gets squared up as the ball goes off his gloves to the off side.

Full again, on middle, attacking the stumps, Mitchell Marsh knocks it down the pitch.

SIX! Makes it look easy! Fuller in length and around off. Mitchell Marsh shows the full face of the bat, hits through the line and with a flourish launches it over long off fence for the first biggie of the chase.

Hits the deck hard, outside off, Travis Head steers it away but finds backward point again.

Much fuller and on middle and leg, shaping in, Travis Head misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down. Clearly missing leg.

Superb fielding! Hard length and on off, Travis Head guides it away with good timing wide of backward point. Bjorn Fortuin dives to his left to make a fantastic one-handed stop.

FOUR! Just wide! Short of a length and just outside off. Travis Head cuts it hard but fails to keep it down. It flies wide of point and just evades the outstretched left hand of the fielder and races to the fence for a boundary.

Lands this back of a length and around off, angling away, Travis Head leaves it alone.

Gerald Coetzee begins with a good-length delivery, on middle, Travis Head gets behind the line of it and pats it towards short cover.

Gerald Coetzee will operate from the other end. It has been a stop-start kind of run in his career. He is playing his first international match in the last six months.

Pitched up and on middle, Mitchell Marsh drills it to the left of mid off. Gerald Coetzee moves to that side and dives to make a good stop. Just 4 runs off the opening over!

Dug into the surface, on the sixth stump line, does not bounce that much. Mitchell Marsh has a big heave across the line but misses.

Short of a length but well outside off, Mitchell Marsh offers no shot at it.

Hits the deck hard, around off, angling away, Mitchell Marsh lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

FOUR! Australia are up and running in the chase in style! Much fuller delivery, just on off. Mitchell Marsh uses his reach, presents the full face of the bat and thumps it past mid off for a boundary.

Marco Jansen starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off, gets some extra bounce. Mitchell Marsh watches it through and leaves it alone.

Nope, they can't! Jack Edwards hits the deck hard, around off, Bjorn Fortuin punches it wide of extra cover. Mitchell Marsh dives to his right to save a certain boundary. Just one off the final ball. South Africa finish on 297/8!

Bjorn Fortuin is the new batter in at number 9 and will face the final ball of the innings. Can he hit a boundary to get South Africa to 300? He is no mug with the bat either.

OUT! COETZEE IS RUN OUT! Jack Edwards takes the pace off once again, sending this one full and well outside off. Gerald Coetzee swings hard but can't make contact, and the batters decide to steal a bye. Josh Inglis is alert to the situation, quickly gathers the ball and fires an underarm throw at the striker's end. It crashes into the stumps before the batters can even cross, and Coetzee is gone. South Africa are eight down now.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Gerald Coetzee tries to heave it over mid-wicket but fails to connect.

Swing and a miss! This is slower again, full and on off, Gerald Coetzee has a wild swing across the line but misses.

SIX! Oh...that is a wonderful shot! Pace off, back of a length and around off. Gerald Coetzee backs away early to free his arms and carves it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

Short of a length and on middle, Corbin Bosch pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Righto, time for the final over of the first innings. Jack Edwards (9-0-48-0) will wrap it up. Gerald Coetzee is the new batter in at number 9.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Nathan Ellis has his third, and there is absolutely no doubt about that one. He goes full and straight, with Marco Jansen staying deep in his crease and looking to whip it across the line. He misses completely and is struck flush on the pad, right in front of middle. The appeal is instant, and so is the umpire's response as the finger goes up without hesitation. Jansen doesn't even think about a review and walks straight back. South Africa are 289/7.

FOUR! Finds the gap! A low full toss, outside off pace on. Marco Jansen opens the bat face, uses the pace on the ball and slices it through point for a boundary. He moves to 75 and equals his highest-ever ODI score.

In the blockhole, outside off, Corbin Bosch reaches out and jams it through covers for one.

Short of a length and around off, Corbin Bosch stands tall and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Streaky! Full again and outside off, Corbin Bosch tries to smother it away but it squirts off the inside edge, just past the stumps and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

A slower one, full and around off, Corbin Bosch changes his stance for the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the body.

That was actually a very well-bowled over from Edwards. No boundaries conceded. Australia, though, have been penalised for a slow-over rate. They will have to keep an extra fielder inside the ring for the remainder of the innings. Nathan Ellis will bowl the penultimate over. 2/46 in 9 overs.

Back of a length and well outside off, takes pace off, Marco Jansen has a swipe across the line but fails to connect. He looks at the umpire but gets nothing.

A slower bumper, on middle, Marco Jansen offers no shot at it.

Short of a length and on middle, Marco Jansen goes for the pull but gets a top edge that lands over the keeper's head. Two taken.

Hard length and around off, Corbin Bosch punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Breetzke is received with a warm round of applause from his teammates and the crowd alike. Truly a knock worth remembering. Corbin Bosch is in at number 8, with 16 balls remaining in the innings.

OUT! MATTHEW BREETZKE IS RUN OUT! A bizarre end to a brilliant innings, and perhaps the only way they were going to get Breetzke out in this game. Jack Edwards fires this one in fuller on middle, and Marco Jansen clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Breetzke immediately turns and sets off for the second, but Jansen has already shouted, 'No'. There is no turning back now, though, as Breetzke is stranded halfway down the pitch. Cooper Connolly gets to the ball quickly and fires it towards the keeper's end, where Josh Inglis does the rest. Jansen walks over to his partner to apologise, but there is no undoing that. After a magnificent century, Breetzke's superb innings comes to an unfortunate end.

A high full toss, on middle, Matthew Breetzke crouches low and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

40 runs in the last 3 overs have completely tilted the momentum in South Africa's favor. Can they breach 300? 3 overs left, two very capable and attacking batters in the middle. Pretty much doable. Jack Edwards is back into the attack. 8-0-43-0 so far.

SIX! Clean strike! Short of a length and just around off, Marco Jansen stands tall and punps it over the long off fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller delivery, on middle, Marco Jansen stays deep inside his crease, gets under it and smacks it to the long on fence for a boundary. Now, Jansen and Ellis exchange a few words. Things are getting heated up.

What happened there? Pitched up and around off, takes pace off. Matthew Breetzke tries to drill it away but gets an inside edge to the left of the keeper. He sets off for the run but is sent back. Josh Inglis has a shy at the batter's end, but it hits Breetzke and deflects away. The batters eventually take the run, but the Aussies are not happy with it. Ellis and Breezke exchanged a few words as well.

Back of a length and outside off, Marco Jansen swats it on the bounce to long off for a run.

FOUR! Just wide! Full and outside off again, Marco Jansen extends his arms to drive it away but gets it from the toe-end of the bat. It flies wide of extra cover, where Mitchell Marsh dives but the ball just evades his outstretched hands and races to the fence for a boundary. Ellis is not happy with the position of Renshaw in the deep.

Full and outside off, Matthew Breetzke reaches out and bunts it out towards mid off for a single.

Nathan Ellis is back on. 2/29 in 8 overs so far.

Good effort in the deep! Pitched up and angling into the pads, Marco Jansen flicks it away wide of deep square leg. Matt Renshaw covers a lot of ground to his left and dives to make a superb stop. Two taken.

Follows it up with a good bumper, on middle and leg, Marco Jansen ducks under it.

Yorker now, on middle, Matthew Breetzke jams it out towards long on for a run.

FOUR! Another boundary which brings up the 250 for South Africa! Bangs this into the surface, outside off. Matthew Breetzke hops up and tries to slap it away but gets a thick outside edge that flies to the deep third fence for four more runs.

WIDE! Full but down the leg side, Matthew Breetzke fails to glance it away. Wided.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Josh Hazlewood sees the batter back away and serves this almost in the blockhole, just around off. Matthew Breetzke extends his arms to reach out, opens the bat face at the last moment and squeezes it over backward point for a boundary.

A low full toss, on leg, Marco Jansen flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

DROPPED! Connolly is the guilty party at long on. And that's 50 FOR JANSEN! From 46 balls. His 3rd ODI half-century. He has supported Breetzke extremely well and has taken all the pressure off his shoulders. A 144.3 kph full delivery on leg stump. Jansen makes room and lofts the flick towards the leg side. Connolly charges in off the ropes from wide long on and dives forward, getting both hands to the chance, but cannot cling on as the ball spills out. The batters get a single.

CENTURY FOR BREETZKE! 150 on his ODI debut, as an opener. Now, coming in at number 4, he gets to his second ODI hundred from 100 balls. He has remained positive throughout, refusing to retreat into his shell despite wickets tumbling regularly at the other end. A gentle drive through the covers on this full ball earns him the single he needs to get to his milestone, and the moment he makes contact, his arms go up in celebration. A truly remarkable innings under pressure.

Wide yorker, outside off, Jansen carves it to the right of short third for a single.

Fuller and around the off stump, Matthew Breetzke crisply drives it to deep point for a single. They think for the second run but it is not on offer. Breetzke moves to 99!

FOUR! Breetzke inching closer to that three-figure mark. Starc comes from around the stump and lands it short on the leg stump line. Matthew Breetzke uses the angle to his benefit. There is enough pace on the ball and he just helps it behind to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Superb effort by Renshaw. Probably saves a certain boundary. Short of a length outside off. Breetzke cuts it behind point, but Renshaw races across from deep point and launches into a full-length dive to his right to keep it to two.

Short of a length, on middle. Breetzke rides the bounce and tucks it behind square leg for a single. He looks for the second, but the fielder is quick to dash through and pick the ball up. So they settle with a single only. Despite going for a boundary on the first ball, Ellis recovers nicely and gives just 6 off this over.

Nails the yorker in, on the stumps. Jansen gets his bat all the way down in time and gets an inside edge on the boots before the ball rolls into covers for a single.

Excellent variation from Ellis! Fuller now, flirting with the tramline, outside off, but keeps it inside. Marco moves leg side and tries to slap it past covers but misses to lay his bat on the ball.

Swing and a miss! Short and at pace now, outside off, Jansen is hurried on the pull shot and fails to connect.

Spears in a full ball going down leg, Marco Jansen misses the flick and is hit on the front pad. The ball rolls to the left of Ellis.

FOUR! PUNISHED! Short off-cutter by Ellis, outside off. Jansen has all the time in the world to get into a good, stable position. He fetches it and powerfully drags it to the right of long on for a boundary.

FOUR! Into the 90s, breezes Breetzke. That's a marvellous shot. Short and outside off, Matthew Breetzke stands tall, uses the pace on the ball opens the bat face at the point of contact and beautifully carves it over backward point for a boundary.

Outside the off stump, on a fuller length, Jansen's bottom hand comes off the handle but he drives it to long off for a single.

Spears in a yorker, outside off, Marco Jansen throws his bat at it to smash it to the off side, but the ball dips below his bat and goes back to the keeper.

Swing and a miss! Jansen had it in his sights but failed to connect. Back of a length, outside the off stump, Marco swings for the pull early and is beaten up.

Another low full toss on the stumps, a bit deliberate this time from Hoff. Jansen drives it off the bottom end and the ball rolls back to Hazlewood.

Goes for a yorker but it is a full toss outside off, Matthew Breetzke covers the stumps and strokes it to the left of mid off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood (8-2-31-1) replaces Mitchell Starc.

And he finishes off well too. Too full and around off, Matthew Breetzke flicks it away through mid on for a single. Just 3 singles from the over.

Off-pace delivery, short and outside off. This is hammered down to long on for a single. So far, so good from Edwards.

There's the slower yorker on middle. The knuckleball, to be precise. Marco Jansen tries to work it away on the off side, but gets a big inside edge onto his boot.

Short and outside off, nipping away. Marco Jansen shows no interest in playing at it.

Another deceptive slower delivery, on a length, on top of middle, 114.1 kph. Marco Jansen swings hard for a pull but is comprehensively beaten by the lack of pace.

Short and slow at 112.8 kph, on off, Breetzke waits on it and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! The quicker it comes, the quicker it goes. Starc attempts a yorker but gets it all wrong this time around. It is a juicy half-volley around off and Marco thumps it powerfully over the bowler's head for a cracking boundary. That brings the 50-run partnership between Jansen and Breetzke as well. Looking dangerous now for Australia.

Attempted yorker on the stumps, Marco carves it out to short cover.

Misses out! Short and on the leg stump line, seemingly a slower delivery. Marco stands tall to pull it aerially, but inside edges it on the back thigh.

Starc responds with a searing yorker, outside off, Jansen jams the bat down in time and squeezes it out to backward point.

SIX! That's a monster! Serves a juicy half-volley, does Starc, and it is the off-cutter on middle. Marco Jansen picks the variation nicely and absolutely launches it deep into the stands behind deep mid-wicket for a six.

Bangs it halfway into the pitch, on the stumps. Jansen ducks.

24 runs in the last 2 overs. 168/3 in the second Powerplay for South Africa. And now, it is time for Powerplay 3. Australia will be allowed to have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. Also, Mitchell Starc is back on.

Pace off, dug into the surface, around off. Marco Jansen backs away and slaps it wide of mid off. The fielder quickly moves to his left and makes a diving stop. They cross.

Much fuller and on off, Marco Jansen drills it towards point.

Bangs this into the pitch, just outside off, Marco Jansen sways away from it.

Back of a length and on off, takes pace off, Matthew Breetzke drags it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

On a length and around off, Marco Jansen pushes it through cover for a single.

WIDE! A slower one, full but down the leg side, Marco Jansen leaves it alone. Wided.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Short of a length and just outside off. Marco Jansen gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Jack Edwards replaces Nathan Ellis. 6-0-32-0 so far.

Dragged back, around off, Marco Jansen punches it towards extra cover for a run. 200 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

SIX! Clears the ropes with ease! Adam Zampa gives this some more air, full and on middle and leg. Marco Jansen sits down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

Flatter, short and outside off, Marco Jansen tries to cut but misses.

SIX! A no-look special! Tossed up, full and on middle. Marco Jansen clears his front leg away, keeps his head down and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Does not even bother looking at it, as he knows he has connected sweetly.

Flighted, full and on off, Marco Jansen drills it to the right of long off for a couple of runs.

Floated, short and on middle, Matthew Breetzke flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa (6-0-34-2) is back into the attack, replacing Mitchell Starc.

Goes short and around off, Matthew Breetzke rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

A slower yorker now, on middle, dipping in. Matthew Breetzke watches it through and digs it out.

On a length and on middle, Matthew Breetzke blocks it out.

Dug into the surface, on middle, takes pace off, Matthew Breetzke lets it go to the keeper.

Back of a length and on off, Marco Jansen punches it through cover-point for a single.

Short of a length and just around off, Marco Jansen leaves it alone.

Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Marco Jansen pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

A wide yorker, outside off, angling away. Marco Jansen tries to squeeze it away but hits his bat on the ground and misses.

Good length and around leg, Matthew Breetzke tucks it through backward square leg for a run. He wants the second but the fielder is quick to get to the ball, keeping it to one.

Back of a length and around off, Marco Jansen punches it towards mid off for a single.

FOUR! Gets it away! Fuller delivery, on middle, shaping in. Marco Jansen whips it away off the inside half of the bat through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Short of a length and on off, Marco Jansen dabs it down to point.

Overpitched and on off, Marco Jansen drills it towards mid off, where a fumble allows one.

In the air... SAFE! Dug into the surface, on middle, takes pace off once again. Matthew Breetzke tries to swipe across the line but tries to check his shot at the last moment. Gets a top edge as the ball goes in the air towards the vacant leg gully region. Josh Inglis, the keeper, runs to his left but fails to reach it. They cross.

Another slower one, back of a length and around off, Marco Jansen stabs it out to extra cover for a run.

Pace off again, full and on off, Marco Jansen leaves it alone.

Fuller one and on off, Matthew Breetzke drives it square but firmly through point for a single.

Slower delivery, hard length and around off, Matthew Breetzke tries to punch it away but gets an inside edge behind to the left to the keeper.

Pat Cummins was seen signing some autographs at the sidelines. He is likely to play the Pink Day ODI in Johannesburg.

In the blockhole, on middle, Marco Jansen jams it out towards mid off.

Much fuller this time, on middle, Marco Jansen knocks it towards mid on.

Short of a length and outside off, angling away with extra bounce. Marco Jansen slashes and misses.

On a length and on leg, Matthew Breetzke clips it through square leg for another run.

Back of a length and around leg, Marco Jansen nudges it towards deep fine leg.

Fuller and on off, Matthew Breetzke drives it off the bottom edge past the bowler and to the right of mid off for a single.

A very successful over for Australia. Just two runs and a huge wicket of the dangerous Miller. Right, 34 overs done and Australia have chosen one of the two balls to continue till the end of the innings. It also brings Mitchell Starc (6-0-30-0) back into the attack. He replaces Josh Hazlewood.

Short of a length and on off, Marco Jansen rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

Breetzke is stranded at one end but is losing partners from the other. Marco Jansen is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Nathan Ellis makes an immediate impact on his return to the attack, and that is a soft dismissal for David Miller. It’s a seam-up delivery on a good length around middle, and Miller looks to work it across the line. However, the ball holds up slightly, taking the leading edge and chipping back towards the bowler. Ellis initially moves to his left before having to adjust sharply, stretching both hands out in the opposite direction to pluck it out of the air. He lands hard on the ground in the process but does brilliantly to hold on to it. South Africa are 168/5 as Miller falls.

Dug into the surface, around middle, Matthew Breetzke pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Goes fuller and down the leg side, David Miller misses his flick as the ball goes off his pad to the right of the keeper. A leg bye taken.

Hard length and on off, David Miller opens the bat face and guides it towards backward point.

A slower one, full and on off, David Miller knocks it down the pitch. Nathan Ellis dives to his right but fails to stop it as the ball rolls towards mid off. Miller sets off for the run but is sent back.

Nathan Ellis (4-0-16-1) is brought back on, replacing Jack Edwards.

Pulls his length back a bit, around off, Matthew Breetzke steers it straight to point on the bounce. Excellent over from Josh!

Touch fuller and on off, angling in, Matthew Breetzke is solid in his defense.

Good length and on off, Matthew Breetzke stays back and blocks it out.

Breetzke is down on his haunches as that has struck him right in the gut. He is in considerable pain, prompting the physio to rush out. After taking a painkiller and sipping some water, he gets back on his feet to resume.

Ouch! Josh Hazlewood lands this short of a length and on middle, skids off the deck. Matthew Breetzke has a heave across the line but misses and gets hit right in the gut. He is down on his haunches, grimacing in pain.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Matthew Breetzke pats it in front of short cover.

Back of a length and around leg, David Miller fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.

Slightly fuller and on off, David Miller pushes it through covers for one.

Good length and around off, David Miller guides it towards point.

Pitched up and around off, Matthew Breetzke drives it square and towards point. Matt Renshaw dives to his left to make a half-stop. After a bit of hesitation, MB sets off for the single and puts in a dive, but Renshaw misses his shy at the bowler's end anyway.

Back of a length and on middle, jags back in a bit. Matthew Breetzke gets on his toes to clip it away but misses and takes a blow to his midriff. Grunts in a bit of pain.

Full again and on middle, Matthew Breetzke drills it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Classy! A bit too full, on middle and leg. Matthew Breetzke presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously back past the bowler and beating the dive of mid on to his left for a boundary.

Change? Nope. Jack Edwards (5-0-26-0) continues for now.

On a length and around off, Matthew Breetzke steers it past point for a single.

SIX! BANG! That is a shot and a half. Dug into the surface, on middle. Matthew Breetzke pounces on it in a flash, uses his fast hands and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Much fuller and on middle, angling in, Matthew Breetzke fends it out as the ball rolls towards short cover.

Just back of a length and on off, Matthew Breetzke stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.

Good length and on off, Matthew Breetzke gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

Short of a length and on off, Matthew Breetzke dabs it down to point.

DRINKS! The game is poised nicely at the moment. Whenever South Africa threatened with a partnership, Australia managed to break it. Matthew Breetzke has looked solid out in the middle and has already notched up a fifty, and he will be eyeing the big one. David Miller survived an LBW scare early and will want to make the most of it, while the Aussie bowlers will want to put pressure on the new batters and keep chipping in with the wickets. With that said, Josh Hazlewood (6-1-24-1) returns into the attack, replacing Adam Zampa.

A touch fuller in length, on the stumps, Breetzke wrists it into mid-wicket for a single.

Short of a length with extra bit of lift. Miller rides the bounce and punches it through cover-point for a single.

A 128 kph delivery on a length, outside off. Miller is drawn half-forward in defence. He gets an inside edge that rolls onto his pads.

A good-length delivery at 127.2 kph, angling into middle and leg. It has Miller hopping on his toes. He misses the clip and is struck high on the front pad.

This brings up the 150 for South Africa! Back of a length, outside off, Matthew Breetzke cut it square to deep point for a single.

Appeal for caught behind, but not given. Good length outside the off stump. Breetzke looks to cut away from his body, but gets beaten on the outside edge. Perhaps too close to play that kind of a shot.

Too full and outside off, this is gently steered behind point for a single.

Flighted up, full and on off, Matthew Breetzke leans forward and smothers the spin.

FOUR MORE! A bit untidy from Starc in the deep. A genuine drag-downer from Zampa, outside off. Breetzke is quick to pivot on the back foot and drags it aerially and over the mid-wicket fielder. Mitchell Starc sprints to his right from long on and puts in a slide to flick the ball back in, but while doing so, his knees come into contact with the ropes while holding the ball in his hands. The replay confirms the same.

FOUR! Gloriously played! Conventional leg break from Zampa. Full but far outside off, Matthew Breetzke gets on the front foot and carves it powerfully to the deep point region for a cracking boundary. Zampa is upset about something. Perhaps about the fielding placement in that region.

Full and around off, Breetzke stretches forward and defends.

Serves it full and outside the off stump, Matthew Breetzke plays with the spin. Reaches out on the front foot and lofts it inside-out over extra covers. The ball lands safely in the outfield and is chased by Cooper Connolly to his left. Two runs taken.

Lands it full on the middle stump, David Miller looks to flick but his bat gets closed early and a leading edge is found. Luckily, the ball bobbles over the in-field and over the fielders for a couple of runs.

Good length, on off, defended back to the bowler.

So, so close! Swings back in a shade, from middle to leg, on a fuller length. Miller tries to block but gets beaten on the inside edge and is hit on the back thigh pad. A very lengthy appeal for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. Edwards cannot believe it and Marsh is convinced to go upstairs after having a word with Inglis. Nothing on the UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to graze the top of middle and off, but on umpire's call. Miller gets a big sigh of relief.

A review from Australia for LBW, challenging the umpire's decision. UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows the ball is clipping the top of middle and off on umpire's call. So close. But the on-field decision stays.

A bit of an inward shape on this one, full on off and middle, Miller looks to push it straight but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Miller blocks it off the back foot.

Back of a length, on middle, Miller looks to flick but gets a slight leading edge and the ball rolls to the off side.

Constant bowling changes from Australia as Jack Edwards is back on. 3-0-21-0 so far. He replaces Matt Renshaw.

Drops it full on the stumps, Miller smears it down to long on for a single.

Short and quick, outside off, David hangs back and punches it hard but straight to the cover fielder.

Lands it outside leg, on a lower trajectory, David Miller flicks this full ball to the left of deep square leg and they amble through for the second run. Another excellent piece of running between the wickets.

The googly by the looks of it, short outside off, Miller goes back and punches it to covers.

Pitched fuller on leg, David Miller flicks it to the left of long on and they dash across for the second run.

A bit short and outside off, defended off the back foot by Miller.

Shortens the length, outside the off stump, Matthew Breetzke cuts it off the back foot towards cover-point.

Pushed through, full and on middle, Matthew Breetzke lunges and blocks right under his eyes.

Slightly short on the leg stump, spinning in. Matthew tucks it to mid-wicket.

Outside off and short, Breetzke hangs back and chop-cuts it to point.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR BREETZKE! Off 50 balls and that's his 7th ODI half-century. He is such a talent and loves to play against Australia. On a fuller length, on middle, Matthew Breetzke leans forward and lofts it over the bowler's head, beating long on to his left for a boundary.

Tossed up, full on off, blocked off watchfully.

Matt Renshaw (1-0-7-0) returns into the attack.

Around middle and leg, on a fuller length, David Miller flicks it to square leg.

Fuller on middle, defended off the front foot.

Full on the pads, clipped away to the leg side.

Australia keep chipping away at regular intervals. The 42-run stand is broken and that brings David Miller in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT BY RENSHAW! Another crucial partnership broken by Zampa as he has his second wicket. He drops it short into the pitch and on the leg stump line. Ryan Rickelton is rushed on the back foot and goes for the pull shot but mistimes it in the air. With no timing, the ball sails only as far as deep square leg where Matt Renshaw times his leap nicely and takes a good catch, being a foot inside the ropes and balances himself nicely too. South Africa are 125/4 in 24.3 overs.

A lot fuller and quicker, outside off. Breetzke drives it through wide mid off for a single.

Slips in a full toss on the pads, this is whipped behind square on the leg side for an easy single.

Adam Zampa (3-0-16-1) is back on and he replaces Mitchell Starc.

Too full again, outside off, Ryan carves it through cover and point for a single. 11 runs off the over and the partnership moves to 40 runs between this two.

FOUR! Gun-barrel straight! Jack overcooks this one. Too full and outside off, not an ideal length with mid on and mid off up in the ring. Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and cracks the straight drive to the left of long off for a boundary.

Outside off on a good length, Breetzke steers it behind backward point for a single.

The length is pulled back by a yard or so, on middle and leg, Ryan tucks it off the back foot towards widish mid-wicket for a quick run.

On the stumps, on a fullish length, watchfully blocked to the mid on region.

EDGED AND FOUR! Lucky. Full and just around the off stump, nipping away after landing. Ryan Rickelton tries to drive it away to the covers but gets a massive outside edge and the ball just stays out of reach of the keeper. Inglis dives to his left but is nowhere close to the ball as it races behind to the fence.

16 runs from the last 2 overs for South Africa. Jack Edwards is back on. 2-0-10-0 so far. He replaces Matt Renshaw.

Short of a length, around the off stump. Matthew hangs back and punches it to cover.

Good-length delivery, on top of the stumps, nipping in a bit. Matthew Breetzke gets squared up to block. The ball squirts off the bottom edge and rolls off the thigh pad to point.

Spears it in and around the pads, on a fuller length, Ryan Rickelton whips it firmly to the left of mid on for a single.

FOUR MORE! Threads the gap expertly! Back of a length, outside the off stump. Ryan Rickelton waits back, uses the pace and square cuts it between short third and backward point for a boundary.

FOUR! A loosener from Starc and it gets the treatment. A bit too straight on the pads, Ryan Rickelton uses his wrists and flicks it neatly into the vast vacant acreage at deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Slightly fuller, outside off, Ryan steers it to cover-point.

Big turn into the batter from outside off, Matthew Breetzke gets behind the line by moving across and taps it out to the off side.

Flighted delivery, full and outside the off stump, Ryan drives it along the ground towards long off for a single.

Around middle and leg, tucked into the leg side.

Pitched full and spinning in from off, Breetzke mistimes the lofted shot off the inner half of his bat. But it lands on the bounce and to the left of long on for a single.

FOUR! HAMMERED! And that brings up the 100 for South Africa. Overpitched, full and outside off, Matthew Breetzke gets onto the front foot and lofts it over the extra cover fielder for a cracking boundary. Breetzke is into the 40s now.

Floats a full toss, outside off from around the stump. Ryan Rickelton leans on and drills it to wide long off for a single.

Matt Renshaw joins the attack now.

Nice, alert fielding! Full and outside off, driven off the front foot to the left of cover. The fielder makes a diving stop and parries it to mid off and the batters pinch a tight single.

Generates extra bounce again from a good length, 142.4 kph. Matthew Breetzke gets squared up a bit and tucks it to the leg side, in front of square, for a single.

Short again with some bounce, Ryan Rickelton mistimes the pull shot in the air. But it goes on the bounce to Renshaw at deep backward square leg for a single.

Pitched halfway, short outside off, Ryan crisply punches it to short cover.

Bangs it short and outside off, Ryan Rickelton hops and chops it to the cover-point region.

Fuller one, around off, Ryan Rickelton strokes it to the right of the covers, but it is stopped with a sharp dive by the fielder there.

A much more productive phase for South Africa as they add 53 runs in the 11-20 over period. They have lost one wicket in the form of Bavuma, who couldn't convert his start. Mitchell Starc (4-0-18-0) is brought back on, replacing Adam Zampa.

Hard length and on off, Ryan Rickelton pats it towards mid off for another run.

Full again and on the pads, Matthew Breetzke flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Pace off, full and on off, Matthew Breetzke pushes it away towards short cover.

A good bouncer at 138.8 kph, on middle, Matthew Breetzke ducks under it.

Pitched up and on off, Ryan Rickelton drills it towards mid off for a single.

Fuller and around off, Ryan Rickelton drives it firmly but straight to cover.

Oh, dear! A young woman on the grass banks appears to have been struck while trying to take the catch. Hopefully, she is alright. Looks like she is getting the needful medical attention.

SIX! Into the crowd! Adam Zampa bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Matthew Breetzke picks up the length early, climbs onto it and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

A googly, full and around off, Ryan Rickelton drills it wide of mid off for a single.

Slows it up, full and on off, Ryan Rickelton knocks it back to the bowler.

Floated, full and on middle, Ryan Rickelton drives it towards mid off, who dives to his left to make the stop.

Flatter, full and on off, Ryan Rickelton bunts it down the pitch, where Zampa gets a hand to parry it towards mid off.

A wicket at a very crucial time for Australia. The Proteas are forced into another rebuilding act. In walks Ryan Rickelton at number 5. He hasn't batted at this position ever, so let's see how he goes about his business.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Adam Zampa breaks the 54-run stand, getting rid of the opposition skipper. He tosses it up, full and outside off, turning away further with some extra bounce. Temba Bavuma goes down on one knee and tries to drive it away to the off side but only manages a thin outside edge behind, where Josh Inglis moves to his right and takes a sharp catch. South Africa are 83/3 now.

Good length and on off, Matthew Breetzke keeps it out to the off side.

Slower again, back of a length and outside off. Matthew Breetzke cuts it away wide of deep point and comes back for the second run.

Short of a length and on off, Matthew Breetzke stays back and dabs it down to point.

Pitched up, on middle, Matthew Breetzke blocks it out.

FOUR! Top shot! Touch fuller and around off, pace on this time. Matthew Breetzke does not move his feet much, just lets his hands do all the work. He meets it right under his eyes and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Pace off, on a length and on off, Temba Bavuma runs it down to deep third for a single.

Only a solitary over for Connolly, as he is replaced by Nathan Ellis. His figures read 2-0-6-1 so far.

Dragged back, outside off, Matthew Breetzke tries to cut it away but gets an outside edge on the bounce to short third.

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! Adam Zampa gives this one some more air, full and around off. Matthew Breetzke backs away and gets his hands through the shot, playing with the spin. He slices it in the air but through the vacant point region for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Temba Bavuma eases it down to long off for a run.

Quicker, shortish and on off, Matthew Breetzke plays it late, opens the bat face and glides it to the left of short third for a single.

Flatter, full and on off, Matthew Breetzke lets the ball drop in front of his eyes and guides it to point.

Shorter in length and around off, Matthew Breetzke steers it away to point.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, Temba Bavuma turns it to the leg side.

FOUR! Nice shot! Cooper Connolly drops it short and outside off. Temba Bavuma uses the width on offer and cuts it away between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on middle, Temba Bavuma clips it away wide of long on. Matthew Breetzke calls for two and gets it, running to the danger end himself.

Tossed up, full and around off, Temba Bavuma bunts it out to short cover.

Arm ball, short and on middle, angling in, Temba Bavuma backs away to push it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

Floats it up, full and on off, Matthew Breetzke drives it towards long off for a single.

Spin from both ends, then. Here's Cooper Connolly into the attack. He replaces Jack Edwards.

Slows it up, full and on middle and on off, Temba Bavuma knocks it back to the bowler.

Pushed through quicker, short and around off, Temba Bavuma opens the bat face and steers it to short third.

Flatter, full and on off, Temba Bavuma goes down and tries to reverse paddle it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls on the pitch.

Flighted, full and around off, Matthew Breetzke drills it away to sweeper cover for another run.

Floated, full and on off, Temba Bavuma drives it firmly and wide of short cover. The fielder dives to his left to get a good hand on it to make a half-stop. They cross.

Tossed up, full and around off, Matthew Breetzke pushes it through covers for a single.

Drinks Break! After being reduced to 29/2 inside the Powerplay, this has been a decent recovery for South Africa through Bavuma and Breetzke. What stands out most is how briskly they have kept the strike rotating, and the more time they are spending out there, the more fluent they look. Credit for the early trouble goes to Starc and Hazlewood, who used the slow, tacky surface well and got a bit of movement to make strokeplay genuinely hard work. Since the Powerplay restrictions lifted, though, batting has eased up considerably, and this partnership has made the most of that shift in gears. Australia will look to break this stand as quickly as possible, and for that, they have summoned Adam Zampa into the attack now. He replaces Josh Hazlewood.

Pitched up and around off, Temba Bavuma gets half-forward and fends it away to short cover.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and on middle, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Temba Bavuma picks up the length early, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Temba Bavuma keeps it out to the leg side.

FOUR! First signs of aggression from the skipper! Full again and around off, Temba Bavuma backs away a bit to free his arms. He hits it through the line, thumping it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

A bit fuller, on off, shaping in, Temba Bavuma blocks it out.

On a length and on off, Temba Bavuma taps it out towards short cover.

Got to say, it is quite humid out there. But a gentle breeze is blowing across for some respite. The pitch seems to be easing up now, with fluency progressively increasing for the batters. Zampa's introduction into the attack isn't far away, one feels.

FOUR! Lovely shot! A half-volley, on off. Matthew Breetzke leans onto his drive nicely and creams it right from the middle of the bat past mid off. Mitchell Marsh gives chase but the ball wins the race to the fence for a boundary. 50 up for South Africa after 13 overs.

Good length and just around off, Temba Bavuma guides it off the outer half of the bat to deep third for a run.

Hard length and on middle, angling in, Matthew Breetzke steps across and glances it towards fine leg for a single.

Back of a length and on off, takes off again. It takes Matthew Breetzke by surprise but he does well to hang his bat away and pat it down to the left of point.

Goes a bit fuller, on middle, attacking the stumps, Matthew Breetzke blocks it out down the pitch.

Short of a length and around off, shoots up off the deck, Matthew Breetzke leaves it alone.

Double change? Nope. Another over for Josh Hazlewood. 5-1-18-1 so far.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Matthew Breetzke clips it towards wide mid on and sets off for the run. He has to hurry a bit but the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Hard length and around off, Matthew Breetzke rides the bounce and steers it to point.

Much fuller and on off, shaping in, Matthew Breetzke defends it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Lands this on a good length and on middle, angling in. Matthew Breetzke gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Short of a length and around off, Matthew Breetzke hangs back and dabs it down to point.

Jack Edwards starts his spell with a back-of-a-length delivery, on off, Temba Bavuma tucks it through square leg for a single.

The debutant, Jack Edwards, comes into the attack and replaces Nathan Ellis. Bowler or pacer number 4 for Australia.

Just back of a length and on off, nips back in a bit. Matthew Breetzke stays in his crease and tries to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Hard length and on off, Temba Bavuma takes his front foot out and pushes it towards cover-point for one.

Josh Hazlewood bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle. Temba Bavuma stays inside the line of it and tries to hook it away but misses, with the ball passing very close to the gloves. Josh Inglis, the keeper grabs it and there is an appeal for caught behind, but turned down.

Touch fuller and on off, Matthew Breetzke strides out a bit and taps it towards short cover for another quick single.

Good length and on off, Temba Bavuma runs it down to deep third for a run.

On a length and around off, Matthew Breetzke opens the bat face and steers it towards point. He sets off for the run but the fielder fails to pick it up cleanly, with Bavuma making his ground safely.

Powerplay 2! Australia can have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Neither side will be too unhappy with how things have gone so far.

Well fielded! A tad fuller in length, on off, Bavuma presses forward and drives it away nicely, but the fielder from cover dives to his right to make a fine stop. South Africa end the Powerplay with 40/2 on the board.

Aims the off stump, on a good length, Temba Bavuma plays close to the body and stabs it into covers. He is off for a single and is almost halfway but Breetzke sends him back on a very loud call.

Good shot, but for nothing. Fractionally full and outside off, Bavuma nails the drive to the off side but finds the fielder at cover.

Too full on the middle stump, Matthew Breetzke forces the drive to the mid on region and dashes off for a single. The mid on fielder gets to his right, picks and throws the ball to the bowling end but misses his shy.

Fuller ball, around off, Temba Bavuma cracks the cover drive off the front foot. A half-stop by the man at cover means the ball deflects towards mid off. The batters cross for a quick single.

Stacks it on a length, around off, Temba Bavuma leaves and watches the ball carry all the way through to the keeper.

Not that full, not too short either, on off and nipping back. Breetzke blocks it to covers.

FOUR! Pinged through the gap! Shortish in length, outside off, not much pace from the surface. Matthew Breetzke stands up on his toes and square cuts it between backward point and cover for a cracking boundary.

Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, at 135 kph. Breetzke blocks it firmly off the front foot.

Seams into the batter, on a good length, on middle and leg. Matthew Breetzke presses forward to block but gets a little inside edge onto the back thigh. The ball then lobs and drops in front of the second slip fielder.

Short of a length, darting back in and around off. Bavuma hops on the toes and nudges it between mid-wicket and square leg for a quick single. Good coordination between the two batters there.

Nips in from a good length, Temba Bavuma is cut in half and the ball beats the inside edge before deflecting off the thigh pad to short third.

Change of ends for Josh Hazlewood.

FOUR! Incredible shot! Full and straight on the middle stump. Matthew Breetzke presents a straight bat, and with lovely elbow extension, he creams the ball back past the bowler. It goes gun-barrel straight down the ground for a boundary.

Beats the bat! This is really good bowling from Ellis. Hits the length, outside off and gets it to cut away from the batter. Matthew Breetzke stays put and plays at it to access the off side, but the ball beats his outside edge by just a few centimeters.

Full on the leg stump, Breetzke plays with a straight bat and knocks it down to mid on.

Fuller than a length, outside off, Matthew prods forward and eases it to the point region.

Peach of a delivery! Back of a length, outside off, nipping away. Breetzke pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker. One away from the left-hander, and one away from the right-hander from Ellis so far.

Both openers are back in the hut now. Matthew Breetzke comes out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wowza! A first-ball wicket for Ellis and the Aussies are up and about. Starts off with a perfect seam-up delivery, full and on middle. It lands and nips considerably away from the surface. Quinton de Kock is sucked on the front foot to play at it but loosely hangs his bat away from the body and gets a thick outside edge. Josh Inglis dives to his left, in front of the first slip fielder, and takes a spectacular catch. South Africa are 29/2 in 7.1 overs.

Nathan Ellis comes in as the first bowling change.

Slightly full and on the leg stump, Quinton flicks it into the mid-wicket and mid on gap for a single.

Very full and outside the off stump, Temba Bavuma throws his hands for the cover drive, but the ball squirts off the inside half and rolls to the right of mid off. Bavuma calls QDK for a quick single as Ellis swoops to his right and makes a diving stop. One run taken. Looks like Ellis jarred his right knee badly into the surface while making the stop but eventually gets back on his feet. Thankfully, nothing serious or threatening.

Full at 143.8 kph, on off. Bavuma carefully blocks it to the off side.

Short and on top of off, Bavuma hops back and dabs it to the cover region.

FIVE WIDES! Free runs for South Africa. A big hooping inswinger from Starc, but the radar is wrong. Full and far down the leg stump. Temba Bavuma misses his flick and the ball beats Josh Inglis' dive to his left to race away to deep fine leg fence.

Swing and a miss! On a good length, pushed across the right-hander with some bounce. Temba Bavuma stays put and tries to loft it over mid off, but fails to get any connection.

Slants across off, on a length, Temba Bavuma flirts with it, looking to defend, but withdraws the bat inside the line to let it pass.

WIDE! Short but down the leg stump line. Bavuma misses to pull. Wide called.

Swings back into the batter, on a fullish length, Quinton de Kock tries to defend, but gets an inside edge on the front pad.

SIX! Just goes the distance! A yard behind fuller length, on off, Quinton de Kock goes across in the crease, picks it up and swings it over the deep backward square leg fence for the first six of the match. Zampa sprints across from deep fine leg for a second, threatening to pull off something special, but the ball has too much distance on it and sails clean over his head.

Top seed! Good length ball, nipping in off the seam, Quinton de Kock is drawn forward to play the cover drive, but is cut in half and the ball beats the inside edge.

A sizzling bumper from Josh, on the bodyline. Temba Bavuma is rushed on the back foot and looks to pull but gets it off the inside half of the bat. A single taken as the ball trickles in front of square leg.

Nagging length, outside the off stump. Bavuma gets on top of the bounce and taps it to backward point with soft hands.

Nips in from a length, on middle, Bavuma presents full face of the bat to block but the ball rolls off the inside edge to square leg.

Too much leg side on a length, Bavuma misses to flick it away and the ball clips his front pad before rolling to the left of the keeper. Josh Inglis dives to his left but fumbles to collect it cleanly. The ball deflects away and is mopped up by the first slip fielder. They get a leg bye.

Short of a length on top of middle and leg. Bavuma gets across and tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Counterattack from Bavuma! A bit short of a length, around the off stump. Bavuma transfers the weight on his back foot, stays leg side and nicely lofts it over covers for a boundary.

Slams it short and outside off, Bavuma sways away to leave it.

And again! Shapes it away from the batter, full and wide outside off, Temba Bavuma again goes for an expansive cover drive, only to get beaten on the outside edge.

Past the outside edge! Angled across the right-hander, on a fuller length, Bavuma is lured into the cover drive but gets beaten on the outisde edge.

Height on the ball saves Bavuma! Gets the ball to jag back into the batter from the fourth-stump line, on a length. Temba gets stuck in the crease and looks to defend it off the back foot, but the ball sneaks past the inside edge to hit the flap of the back pad. A massive shout for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. A long chat between the keeper, Inglis, captain Marsh and Hazlewood follows before Marsh signals for a review. There's a clear gap between bat and ball but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to miss the middle stump on height. Australia burn an early review. They have only one review left now. And it is a leg bye as the batters crossed over as the ball rolled to short third.

Is that out? Mitchell Marsh has taken a review for an LBW call, not given on the field. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows it is just going over the stumps.

Beaten! In-between length, in the corridor of uncertainty, Temba Bavuma looks to defend it to the off side but the ball straightens up the pitch and beats the outside edge.

Well-directed short ball, on top of off, nipping in a touch. Temba Bavuma watches the ball very closely before dropping his wrists to make the leave.

Tap and run. A smidge shorter in length, on off, Quinton de Kock hangs back and stabs it down to the covers for a quick single.

Tight single! Good length, rising up, around off, Bavuma taps it off the back foot to the cover region and sets off for a quick single. The South African captain is off the mark.

Early blow for South Africa. Skipper Temba Bavuma walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! There's the first wicket through Hazlewood. He bashes the length very hard and gets the ball to nip away from the leg stump. Tony de Zorzi tries to create room by clearing his front leg and attempts to hammer it down the ground but still gets cramped up for space and gets a fat outside edge. The ball flies behind to first slip where Matt Renshaw takes a fine catch over his head. Not a good shot selection from De Zorzi, though. South Africa are 6/1.

Very full and straight, on off, Quinton de Kock looks to crack the cover drive but loses the shape and gets an inside edge as the ball rolls back to the bowler.

FOUR! Excellent adjustment from QDK and that's the first boundary. Short of a length, around the off stump. Quinton de Kock arches back, and carves it late over and wide of the slip cordon for a boundary.

On a fuller length, around the leg stump, de Kock flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fuller and angled onto the pads, Quinton de Kock clips it to mid on as the ball keeps sliding in.

Bangs it short and on top of off, and extracts bounce off the track with a little away shape. Quinton de Kock is half-forward and tries to drive it through covers but the ball leaves him to beat his outside edge.

The live telecast is back now.

No run, this is down the off side and let through.

Tidy start from Hazlewood as well. A maiden.

No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

There is a slight issue with the broadcast, but hopefully it is nothing major, and we will be back soon.

Fuller and on off, de Zorzi leans on and taps it into covers with soft hands.

Slightly shorter than a length, on middle and leg, kicking up. Tony de Zorzi looks to steer it across into the leg side but gets a bit of an inside edge onto the back pad.

On a back of a length, outside the off stump. Tony de Zorzi chops it towards backward point.

Starts with a good-length delivery, angling it outside off with a bit of bounce. Tony de Zorzi leaves it alone. Already signs of the pitch being tacky and slowish in nature.

Josh Hazlewood will take the other new ball.

Fuller and straighter on the stumps, Quinton de Kock gets on the front foot and drives it back to the bowler. In fact, the ball crashes into the stumps at the non-striker's end. A disciplined start from Starc.

Back of a length, outside off, Quinton de Kock plays off the back foot and punches it to cover.

South Africa and QDK are off the mark! Attacks the stumps and tries to get the ball to swing away but it goes straighter, on a length. Quinton de Kock tucks it off the inner half of the bat and through backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Full now, outside off, de Kock leans forward and pushes it to covers.

Shortens the length, outside off, shaping away. Quinton de Kock rocks back and cuts it square, but straight to the fielder at cover-point.

Steams in from over the stumps, does Starc. Gets a little bit of shape away from the left-hander, full and outside off, Quinton de Kock offers no shot.

All in readiness now! We can see the Australian players spread out and take their positions on the field. Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi are the two openers for South Africa. A rested and lethal Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are not far away from the start of the game, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Australia's first, followed by that of the home nation, South Africa. A moment of silence is being observed in remembrance of victims of gender-based violence (GBV), with players, fans and officials coming together to show solidarity and honour those affected.

In conversation with Matt Renshaw - He says that he didn't think it would be this humid in South Africa and notes that the wicket also looks similar to Gabba. Adds that he has enjoyed his first experience playing in South Africa, embracing the local culture and making the most of the opportunity to sample as many braais as possible. He adds that South Africa is a passionate cricketing nation and says he was excited to first experience Africa through the tour of Zimbabwe before making the trip across to South Africa. Renshaw says batting at No. 4 has provided him with a different challenge after moving around the order, with his role depending on the conditions and format. He explains that he has enjoyed the contrast with red-ball cricket, where he is more accustomed to opening the batting, and says he is simply taking each game as it comes. With the tour serving as an important opportunity ahead of the World Cup, Renshaw says he wants to understand the conditions and get a taste of international white-ball cricket in South Africa. Having already played Test cricket in the country, he adds that experiencing what South Africa can offer in the white-ball format will be valuable. Renshaw also jokes about his off-spin, describing it as very filthy, but says he could potentially be called upon to bowl if the opportunity arises. He adds that he tries to model himself on former England spinner Graeme Swann, while acknowledging that his own skill set is probably quite different.

Coach's word - South African Head Coach Shukri Conrad underlines that a massive summer lies ahead, and there could be no better way to set the tone than a strong showing against an opponent like Australia. On the injuries within the squad, he concedes it has been disruptive, but stresses finding a way through it regardless, calling that resilience the hallmark of this team. He is wary of knee-jerk reactions and refuses to let panic creep in, saying instead that systems are being put in place to stay ahead of such setbacks. On the significance of the nine ODIs before next year's World Cup, he points to a few positions and combinations the team is still weighing up, and says building capacity and depth in those areas will simply happen along the way. With nine ODIs this year and likely a couple more before the World Cup, still to be confirmed, he views the tweaks ahead as minor adjustments, reasoning that if the core of the squad is not clear by now, it may never be. On losing experienced campaigners like Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, and whether the younger bowlers might feel exposed as a result, he frames it as exactly the path the side prefers to take. He argues that anyone can point out the problems, but chooses instead to see the situation as a genuine opportunity, one he believes will stand the team in good stead once they come through the other side of it.

PITCH REPORT - Shaun Pollock says that there is some nice bright sunshine, but it was cloudy to start with, and there is a slight breeze going around as well. Adds that the short boundary is 52 meters, with the breeze blowing towards it, making it difficult for the bowlers. Mentions that there has been a lot of rain in Durban over the last couple of weeks, so if the pitch is a bit underdone and soft underneath, he won't be surprised. Vernon Philander joins him and says that there is a bit of moisture on the surface and we will see some grip for the spinners. Reckons that Keshav Maharaj will be a key player, as it is difficult for the batters to adjust to a bowler like him. Says that he thinks the decision to bowl first is a good one, the two new balls will be effective, and the team winning the toss will have a slight advantage.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.

The captain of South Africa - Temba Bavuma, when asked about the preparations for this series, says it's his first ODI in Durban. On the overcast weather, he mentions it was not the most pleasant conditions to walk out in, and adds that he too would have opted to bowl first had he won the toss. He notes that the ball is expected to swing early on, and stresses that his side needs to adapt to the conditions quickly. On the injuries and changes forced upon the bowling attack, Bavuma says the team has had to dig deep into its resources. He calls it an opportunity for the players stepping in to fill those shoes, and insists South Africa are happy to work with what they have. Looking further ahead to the 2027 World Cup, he stresses there is still plenty of time left. He acknowledges the core of the squad is largely settled but points out that a few spots remain open for the taking. For now, he says, the priority is building momentum and working towards nailing down that group.

The captain of Australia - Mitchell Marsh says that it is an early start and he'd be lying if he said he has a good read on the conditions. Adds that they had some different experiences in the series against Zimbabwe, especially for the youngsters but admits that the conditions here will be different. Marsh calls Cooper Connolly a fantastic player and says it is great being an old player playing with all these talented youngsters. Marsh shares that having some of the big guys back certainly adds a wealth of experience to the squad. Says that they love playing for the country whenever they get the opportunity. Also, says Australia versus South Africa always produce entertainment and hopefully that is the case. Ends by saying that every series is important, they haven't played much here in South Africa, so they are up and about for this one.

TOSS - It's time for the coin flip. Both captains - Temba Bavuma and Mitchell Marsh - are in the middle. Natalie Germons leads the proceedings with Javagal Srinath, the match referee, in readiness. Bavuma gives it a flick. Heads is the call from 'The Bison' and he calls it right. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

Rust vs match sharpness - Australia come in humming. Two Tests and three ODIs in nearly six weeks mean their muscles are stretched, and nerves are settled. South Africa? Not so much. Apart from the group that played the Namibia tri-series and the ODIs that followed, most of this squad haven't been on the field frequently. The Saffas will get more cricket now, of course, with 9 ODIs in the next, say, four months or so, that too, all at home. But against a side already in rhythm, that early rust could bite. It's how quickly they can cope with the intensity before their rhythm catches up. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

A different puzzle to solve - Australia aren't without problems either, though none as cataclysmic as the hosts’. Skipper Pat Cummins touched down late and is being managed across the three ODIs, with Mitchell Marsh continuing as stand-in captain for the opener. All-rounder Jack Edwards has been air-freighted from India, where he was with Australia A, to replace Billy Stanlake, ruled out by a side strain. It’s a classic workload-management puzzle - preserve the Test quicks for the red-ball campaign while fielding a competitive ODI XI. For Marsh's men, the challenge is to turn this patched-up squad into a coherent unit.

Stocks depleted - In a series this intense, you crave your A-listers to be there. South Africa, though, are running on reserve power. Hamstring woes have erased Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and now Kwena Maphaka - that's four frontline seamers gone. Maphaka's exit opens the door for Lizaad Williams, leaving Marco Jansen as the senior spearhead on pacy, bouncy home tracks. With experience in short supply, every spell from the likes of Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and the supporting cast becomes a crucial audition for depth.

Echoes of 371 - Kingsmead. Where the benchmark for 'too many' was rewritten in 2016. Australia’s 371/6, built on hundreds from David Warner and Steve Smith, looked like a series-saving total until David Miller's magnificent 118* splashed water on the Aussie hopes. A streak of performances that turned this ground into folklore, and a kind of innings that ignited a 5-0 series whitewash of Australia. A decade on, Miller and de Kock remain the only Proteas from that squad, albeit without a central contract, but as a bridge between a golden generation and a new-look side as the 1st ODI kicks off in Durban. On that note, hello and welcome to our coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

Battle lines drawn - Some cricket contests need no introduction. South Africa and Australia have shared enough fiery and historic encounters over the years to make every meeting feel like more than just another game. Now, the rivalry returns for another multi-format battle, with the Aussies touching down in the Rainbow Nation for three ODIs before both sides enter the longer, more demanding world of Test cricket. The tour gets underway at Durban's Kingsmead, where the first of three ODIs sets the ball rolling before the caravan travels from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom and eventually across the country for the Test battles. Kangaroos seek a new bounce - There will be no shortage of urgency in the Australian camp. The Aussies last won a bilateral ODI series against the Proteas in 2014, dominating that contest 4-1, at home. Since then, South Africa have held the upper hand across five successive series, turning what once felt like a heavyweight arm-wrestle into a pattern Australia are desperate to break. More so because Australia’s ODI journey since their 2023 World Cup triumph in Ahmedabad has been anything but smooth. The defending champions have won 16 and lost 14 matches in the format during this period. However, their recent 3-0 sweep of Zimbabwe has offered a timely reminder of their strength. With that momentum behind them, the Kangaroos will hope to carry their resurgence into the Rainbow Nation and finally break their long-standing ODI hoodoo against South Africa. Not all that glitters is gold - Even South Africa, who have held a slight edge over Australia in recent ODI encounters, have endured an inconsistent run since their World Cup semi-final defeat to the same opponents. The Proteas have won 13 and lost 14 of their overall ODIs during this cycle, which is a fairly underwhelming run. This will be South Africa’s first home ODI series since December 2024, when Pakistan swept them 3-0. Their record on home soil since then has offered little comfort either. They have won only two ODI series, against Australia and England in 2023, while drawing 1-1 with the West Indies. With the 2027 World Cup also set to be played at home, the Proteas will be eager to turn their own backyard into a more reliable stronghold. A different pace wave - South Africa will be far from full strength, with premier quicks Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger sidelined by injuries, while Gerald Coetzee returns to the ODI setup after last playing in the format during the 2023 World Cup. Their absence opens the door for rookies like Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena. Jansen is the twin brother of Proteas regular Marco Jansen, who will lead the attack alongside Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka, while Mokoena, 20, made his ODI debut against Namibia less than a fortnight ago. Keshav Maharaj leads South Africa’s spin attack with his vast experience, while Bjorn Fortuin offers support after captaining a second-string side in Namibia’s tri-series. Aiden Markram can also chip in with a few offies if the Proteas need an extra spin option. Enough fuel with the bat - South Africa may be without the exciting pair of Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who made a strong impression in Australia last year, but their batting still packs plenty of punch with Bavuma leading the side. The experienced duo of David Miller and Quinton de Kock return despite being outside the central-contract system, while Aiden Markram will sit out the series opener for personal reasons. Matthew Breetzke adds another exciting dimension after a remarkable start to his ODI career, beginning with a 150 on debut against New Zealand and followed by four fifty-plus scores in his next four innings. The big guns return - Australia's pace attack gets a major lift with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc back in the mix and completes the lethal troika alongside Hazlewood. Skipper Pat Cummins, who has been a rare sight in Australia’s ODI setup since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2023, has appeared in just two ODIs. Test commitments have largely kept him away, but that is set to change with the next global 50-over tournament just a year away. However, with three ODIs set to be played in the span of seven days, the workload management will surely become a talking point. However, with Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett also in the mix, and Cameron Green and Jack Edwards offering additional pace-bowling options, Australia have plenty of variety and depth in the attack. A purring middle order - With Marsh and Head both exploding at the top, Australia’s batting puzzle in the middle order is beginning to look a little clearer. Cooper Connolly has strengthened his case for a permanent move to No. 3 after producing successive half-centuries, while Josh Inglis, Matthew Renshaw and Oliver Peake have all added weight to the middle order with useful contributions in Zimbabwe. The challenge now is to carry that confidence into a much tougher contest against South Africa. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, most recent first) - SA - WWWLW | AUS - WWWWL. What to expect? Expect a lively start in Durban, where Kingsmead could bring the new-ball bowlers into the game early. The coastal conditions may offer movement and bounce, giving Australia's returning pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood plenty to work with. South Africa's reshaped attack will have to be just as sharp, especially with several first-choice quicks like Rabada and all missing.