The Proteas have drawn first blood against Australia after producing a commanding 68-run victory in the opening ODI of their three-match series in Durban.
South Africa, powered by a superb century from Matthew Breetzke, posted an imposing 297/8 before their bowlers completed the job by dismissing the visitors for 230.
Breetzke was the headline act, producing a magnificent 112 to anchor the Proteas’ innings and put the hosts in a strong position.
His century proved crucial as South Africa built a total that eventually proved beyond Australia’s reach.
With the Australian batting line-up unable to withstand the pressure, the Proteas steadily tightened their grip on the match before bowling them out for 230 to secure a convincing victory.
The result gives South Africa a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series and puts them within sight of a series victory.
The Proteas will now turn their attention to the second ODI, which will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27.
Australia, meanwhile, will be desperate to hit back and level the series on South African soil.
The final ODI is scheduled for Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 30, setting up an intriguing finish to the series.
For South Africa, however, the message from Durban is clear: the Proteas mean business.
