Proteas Set 278-Run Target for Australia in Second ODI Thriller
After opting to bat first on Friday in Mackay, South Africa lost openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton cheaply to seamer Xavier Bartlett. This put early pressure on the innings.
Recovery Through Key Partnerships
Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi steadied the Proteas with a 67-run partnership for the third wicket. Spinner Adam Zampa caught and bowled De Zorzi for 38 in the 16th over.
Breetzke then teamed up with Tristan Stubbs to add an 89-run stand for the fourth wicket. Breetzke scored 88 off 78 balls, becoming the first player in ODI history to hit half-centuries in each of his first four matches. Stubbs contributed 74 off 87 balls. He was caught by Cameron Green off Zampa.
Lower-Order Contributions Push Total to 277
Wiaan Mulder (26) and Keshav Maharaj (22 not out) added valuable runs down the order. They helped South Africa reach 277 before being bowled out with five balls remaining. Adam Zampa led Australia’s bowling with 3/63.
South Africa Eye Series Win
Having won the opening game of the three-match series, the Proteas aim to secure the series with another victory. Meanwhile, Australia look to level the series and keep the contest alive.
Related article: Triple Blow: Proteas, Springboks and Du Plessis All Suffer Defeat
