By Editor 
Cricket fans are always treated to exhilarating drama when Australia and South Africa clash, and this blockbuster one-day international at Centurion didn’t disappoint with file-breaking batting, tight nail-biting finishes and one of the greatest comebacks seen in recent memory.
Ngidi breaks up his partnership with Zampa when he delivers a full ball that cannot be anticipated by him. This crucial moment played a big role in the Australian men’s Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, highlighting the turning points that defined the game.
| Match No | Venue | Date | Australia Score | South Africa Score | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centurion | 2025-09-05 | 277/8 (50 ov) | 281/7 (49.5 ov) | South Africa won by 3 wickets | Marsh 88, Ngidi 5 wickets |
| 2 | Mackay | 2025-09-07 | 245/9 (50 ov) | 248/6 (48 ov) | South Africa won by 4 wickets | Breetzke 88, Stubbs 74, Maharaj 5 wickets |
| 3 | Brisbane | 2025-09-10 | 431/9 (50 ov) | 419/9 (50 ov) | Australia won by 12 runs | Head 110, Marsh 105, Carey 50 |
| 4 | Lord’s | 2025-09-12 | 290/7 (50 ov) | 292/8 (49.4 ov) | South Africa won by 2 wickets | Burger key spells, Breetzke 50 |
| 5 | Johannesburg | 2025-09-15 | 312/6 (50 ov) | 310/8 (50 ov) | Australia won by 2 runs | Green 70, Marsh 65, Ngidi 4 wickets |
Australia vs South Africa
Australia and South Africa’s One Day International at Centurion was an unforgettable match filled with high-octane drama, incredible performances and momentous moments that will long outlive its completion. One can only hope that history remembers this match-up fondly!
This thrilling contest featured some exquisite batting from both teams and was highlighted by Matthew Breetzke’s remarkable double century, becoming the first player ever to make four 50s consecutively on Australian soil in an ODI innings.
Tristan Stubbs and Andre Nel also contributed half-centuries. Although South Africa were far from flawless with the bat – dropping several catches – their victory proved immensely important in an otherwise tight series that had long been up for grabs.
After an exciting contest between South Africa and Australia on a bat-friendly pitch, Australia fell just short in their bid to chase 289 on an excellent batting pitch.
They could not overcome Lungi Ngidi’s five wicket haul; Nandre Burger and Martinelli provided supporting spells as did Xavier Bartlett and Jacobus Elstow both taking two wickets each.
South African players were out on the field, taking in the atmosphere in front of Lord’s crowd, who responded enthusiastically.
Jay Shah, the International Cricket Council Chairman, presented Temba Bavuma with the trophy from Jay Shah who proudly hoisted it above his head before celebrating with fans by signing souvenirs and handing out medals; then there were more photos with fans, confetti cannons, photos with fans and giving teammates serious hugs as he hoisted the trophy high into the air!
Match 1
South Africa-Australia matches are legendary for their nail-biting finishes and fierce banter; SuperSport Park was no different; with momentum shifts, aggressive batsmanship, and dramatic wicket taking all playing a role.
Proteas were in trouble but Marsh (88) made sure they came through unscathed to score 277 runs, with an required rate climbing above one run per ball as the innings moved into its final over.
Ngidi’s short delivery brought Dwarshuis out, who could not time his swinging bat to break off partnership; Ngidi then took both wickets in quick succession to seal an emphatic win for South Africa; first time they’ve won Centurion game since 2010. Also great showing from South African spinners!
Match 2
Matthew Breetzke scored an imposing 88 and Tristan Stubbs added an enterprising 74 as South Africa made their way towards an impressive total in Mackay on a two-paced surface, but Australia struggled after losing their opening two wickets to Josh Hazlewood and newcomer Xavier Bartlett, falling well short of keeping pace with required rates of run.
Tim David was Australia’s sole bright spot during a dismal innings, yet even his powerful hitting wasn’t enough to prevent South African from sealing an impressive win with Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul and superb South African performance.
Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger provided South Africa with a massive boost against Australia with their magnificent bowling display of five for in just 41 overs – enough to ensure victory and give South Africa an early 3-0 series lead.
Burger digs it short to Dwarshuis who is unable to bring down his bat in time and has it hit Brevis at point for an easy catch – another big wicket!
Marsh is now facing an eight runs-an-over requirement and needs support around him to make progress. He’s struggling to hit cleanly with any kind of conviction and finds making runs tough going.
A single off the first ball of Burger’s final over has widen Australia’s deficit to 84 runs – mounting pressure is mounting for Australia to win this match!
Match 3
Australia completed their series victory with an outstanding innings on Wednesday, featuring Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh both hitting centuries to test South African bowlers.
Alex Carey contributed with an aggressive fifty, helping Australia reach 431-9 from 50 overs. South Africa gave chase but were ultimately foiled by some drops and loose running, ultimately falling short by only 12 runs.
De Zorzi and Brevis both made an impressionful T20I performance and after Brevis fell early there was little momentum for his team’s innings; eventually Cameron Green and the lower order took control but were left needing 367 runs off 240 balls to win.
The final over is an unproductive one, yet bowlers continue their attempt at breaking up the partnership. Ellis made two important stops: first when an off-bounce ball would have run past him; and then by doing a full length dive afterward to halt another bounce shot by Burger.
Ngidi made his breakthrough in the next over, beating Marsh to grab an edge and deliver it directly to wicketkeeper Pretorius for wicket. From then onwards, Australia’s innings slowly disintegrated as more catches were dropped and batters struggled to find any form.
Cooper Connolly completed with another five-wicket haul – receiving an enthusiastic reception from Australia before heading off to join his club team in New Zealand for three T20Is beginning October 1. Australia ultimately emerged victorious by 2-1 victory!
Match 4
Fans have grown accustomed to witnessing high-octane drama during these series matches; fans are treated to nailbiting finishes, fiery sledging and some unforgettable performances; but in the end South Africa came out victorious, taking home an hard-won victory at Lord’s.
South Africa seemed well on their way towards 300 with their total sitting at 179-3 by the 31st over despite an early loss of Breetzke, yet poor shot selection and collapses prevented that from becoming reality.
Nandre Burger started the final over off strongly, but his last over was ultimately decisive in ending their innings.
He dug it short for Marsh, whose pull shot mistimed and fell to Brevis at deep backward square instead of hitting its mark to fall directly to Mulder at midwicket – 15 runs had come from this over alone.
An unsettled final over saw only four singles scored, two off the first ball of the last over. But then Marsh and Green started attacking:
Green hit a back foot drive for six off the first ball of this one followed by hitting four off two balls later in this final over.
As soon as the moment arrives, players rush out to join their teammates. Jay Shah gives Bavuma the International Cricket Council Mace, whom in turn lifts it aloft while holding onto his son with pride and gazing upon the Mace in front of him – Lord’s lapped up this special moment as well.
Everyone in Lord’s rejoices over this historic occasion while crowd members cheer with approval at this historic occasion.
Team Sports Kida