South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI 2025: Ngidi, Breetzke & Stubbs Shine in Mackay (Series Sealed 2–0)
South Africa Clinch Series in Mackay: Ngidi, Breetzke & Stubbs Shine
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay • Date: 22 August 2025 • Result: South Africa won by 84 runs (Series: SA lead 2–0)
Updated: 22 Aug 2025
Summary
- Proteas post 277: Matthew Breetzke (88) and Tristan Stubbs (74) rebuild after early wobble.
- Ngidi magic: Lungi Ngidi’s 5/42 (his second ODI five-for) triggers Aussie collapse to 193 all out (37.4).
- Inglis fights: Josh Inglis top-scores with a brisk 87 but lacks support.
- Series sealed: South Africa clinch the 3-match ODI series 2–0 with one to play.
Score Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Batters | Best Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 277 all out | 49.1 | Breetzke 88 (78), Stubbs 74 (87), de Zorzi 38 (39) | Zampa 3/63, Bartlett 2/45, Ellis 2/46, Labuschagne 2/19 |
| Australia | 193 all out | 37.4 | Inglis 87 (74), Green 35 (54) | Ngidi 5/42, Muthusamy 2/30, Burger 2/23 |
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi.
Breetzke and Stubbs Build the Foundation
South Africa were under pressure at 23/2 when Tony de Zorzi (38 off 39) combined with Matthew Breetzke to stabilize the innings. After de Zorzi’s dismissal, Breetzke took charge with a fluent 88 (78)—featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes—mixing placement and controlled aggression to shift momentum.
Tristan Stubbs played the anchor’s role from the other end. Against spin, he rotated strike effectively and punished anything loose, eventually making a patient yet valuable 74 (87). Their partnership carried South Africa past 150 in the 27th over, creating a platform for late cameos by Wiaan Mulder (26 off 21) and Keshav Maharaj (22* off 24).
The surface in Mackay was two-paced, which made horizontal-bat shots and late cuts more reliable options. Breetzke and Stubbs adapted brilliantly to ensure a competitive total of 277.
Ngidi’s Fiery Spell Breaks Australia’s Backbone
Australia’s chase stumbled early at 38/3, losing Head (6), Labuschagne (1), and Marsh (18) cheaply. Lungi Ngidi then produced a masterclass in ODI fast bowling. His spell of 8.4–1–42–5 combined good-length deliveries with late movement and deceptive cutters to dismantle the middle and lower order.
Nandre Burger (2/23) kept the top order unsettled with his hard lengths, while Senuran Muthusamy (2/30) applied pressure under lights with tight lines and drift. Captain Aiden Markram managed his bowlers shrewdly, using Ngidi in short, attacking bursts with an aggressive field to close out the game.
Inglis Fights Alone but Runs Out of Partners
Josh Inglis stood tall with a counterattacking 87 off 74, showcasing sweeps against spin and crisp drives against pace. Alongside Cameron Green (35), he added 67 runs, briefly steadying the chase. However, once Green fell, the Australian tail crumbled quickly. Inglis’s dismissal at 175/7 ended any realistic hopes of a comeback.
Key Stats and Records
- Lungi Ngidi: Secured his second ODI five-wicket haul (5/42).
- Matthew Breetzke: Registered a career-best 88, following his 57 in the first ODI.
- Australian collapse: Lost their last 6 wickets for just 18 runs.
- Streak: South Africa have now won their last 5 bilateral ODI series against Australia since 2016.
- Powerplays: SA PP1: 56/2; AUS PP1: 39/3 — Proteas dominated the early exchanges.
Tactical Breakdown: How South Africa Outplayed Australia
- Bowling in short bursts: Ngidi was rotated in quick, aggressive spells to maximize impact.
- Leg-side field traps: Restricted Inglis’s scoring options with smart field placements and slower balls.
- Spin pressure: Muthusamy bowled tight, mistake-free overs under lights to choke scoring.
- Batting tactics: Breetzke and Stubbs targeted safer zones against Zampa and managed Bartlett/Hardie with soft hands and late adjustments.
What This Means for the Series
With a 2–0 lead, South Africa have already sealed the ODI series. The result highlights their balanced approach—top-order resilience combined with clinical bowling. For Australia, the defeat raises concerns about top-order consistency, strike rotation in the middle overs, and death-overs bowling execution.
Looking Ahead: 3rd ODI in Mackay
The final ODI will be played on 24 August 2025 at the same venue—Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. Australia will look to salvage pride, while South Africa will aim for a clean sweep.
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