Lungi Ngidi delivered a fiery performance in the second ODI, dismantling Australia’s batting line-up and securing a commanding 84-run win for South Africa in Mackay. With that, the Proteas claimed the series 2–0, asserting dominance in their ongoing white-ball rivalry.
Batting Foundations Built By Breetzke and Stubbs
South Africa’s win was set up by a competitive total of 277, anchored by two standout innings:
- Matthew Breetzke’s 88 (off 78 balls) featured a host of boundaries and demonstrated his growing consistency.
- Tristan Stubbs added a robust 74, combining patience and aggression to stabilize the innings at key moments.
These partnerships laid the groundwork, even after early setbacks, giving the bowlers a strong platform to launch their assault.
Ngidi Rips Through Top Order
When Australia came to chase, everything seemed balanced. But Ngidi had other plans:
- He struck early, dismissing Mitchell Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession.
- With precision and movement, he continued his onslaught on the middle and lower order.
By the time Australia returned to the pavilion, Ngidi had claimed 5 wickets for 42 runs, dismantling their chase and sealing the match with over 12 overs to spare.
A Return to Form and Another Fifer
This wasn’t Ngidi’s first ODI five-for by any measure—it was his second against Australia in international cricket. His sharp reinvention in white-ball format is clear from how he continues to strike at regular intervals.
As a fast bowler capable of newfound consistency in limited-overs cricket, Ngidi reminded everyone of the early promise that catapulted him into national reckoning.
Australia’s Batting Under the Microscope
Despite Josh Inglis contributing a valiant 87 runs, the rest of Australia’s top and middle order failed to deliver. None of the other batters stood up to challenge South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
Australia were bundled out for 193, with very few threatening the total. It was their fourth consecutive sub-200 total at home in an ODI, raising serious questions about their batting depth and tactics in crucial moments.
Collective Strength: Ngidi, Burger & Muthusamy
While Ngidi was the headline performer, support bowling came in the form of:
- Nandre Burger, who began the assault with disciplined early overs.
- Senuran Muthusamy, who helped finish the job by breaking partnerships in middle overs.
Their collective pressure ensured Australia never recovered from early blows.
Statistical Impact
- Ngidi’s haul helped South Africa secure their fifth consecutive ODI series victory over Australia, an ongoing trend since 2016.
- He also joined an elite group: becoming the fourth bowler with multiple ODI five-wicket hauls against Australia, alongside legends like Curtly Ambrose and Trent Boult.
- His ODI average against Australia hovers around 16.96 with a superb strike rate of 20.2—a testament to his effectiveness in high-stakes cricket.