Proteas defend 297 to take ODI series lead after Australia's chase collapses

After Australia won the toss and elected to field, South Africa struggled to score freely during the morning, when batting proved particularly challenging. The hosts appeared unlikely to reach 250 before Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen changed the course of the innings.

Breetzke struck 112 from 106 deliveries at number four, initially relying on orthodox strokes before increasing the tempo. He now averages more than 60 after 15 ODIs.

Jansen provided further impetus with 75 from 59 balls, matching his career-best ODI score, as the pair put on 107 for the sixth wicket.

Their efforts lifted South Africa to 297 for eight, a total that appeared above par given their earlier difficulties.

Australia made an excellent start to the reply, with Mitch Marsh smashing 60 from 36 balls and Travis Head contributing 36 from 37. The openers added 90 in only 9.2 overs, leaving the tourists well positioned before their chase unravelled.

Poor shot selection and a succession of avoidable dismissals saw Australia lose their last nine wickets for just 101 runs. Matt Renshaw's 44 was unable to spark a recovery after he was dismissed for 215 for seven, with Jansen producing a spectacular one-handed diving catch in the outfield.

Keshav Maharaj led South Africa's attack with four for 20 from 9.2 overs, while Bjorn Fortuin claimed two for 34 from eight. The spinners' disciplined spells proved crucial in shifting momentum.

Australia are expected to welcome captain Pat Cummins back for Sunday's second ODI in Johannesburg. The series is also being used to assess combinations ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.