South Africa Dominates in Mackay, Taking Unassailable 2-0 Lead

Australia’s woes in one-day internationals (ODIs) continue, as they suffered an 84-run loss to South Africa in Mackay, allowing the Proteas to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead. The loss marks Australia’s seventh defeat in their last eight ODIs, with their last victory coming against England in the Champions Trophy in November.

The Australian team struggled to bat under lights, a problem that has plagued them since the recent retirements of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Inglis, the white-ball keeper, was the only glimmer of hope for the team, scoring 87 from 74 balls before being dismissed. However, his departure marked the beginning of the end for Australia, who lost 4-9 to end their innings in the 38th over.

South Africa’s paceman Lungi Ngidi starred in the absence of injured spearhead Kagiso Rabada, claiming 5-42 for the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career. Ngidi’s performance was a testament to his growing importance in the Proteas’ attack, and he was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who took two wickets and gained some much-needed confidence with the ball. However, Labuschagne’s spot at No 3 in the batting lineup is now in jeopardy, after he was dismissed for a duck for the second time in the series.

The Proteas’ batting lineup, which included a 89-run stand between Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs, threatened to take the innings away from Australia. However, the Australian bowlers, led by Nathan Ellis, managed to contain the Proteas and bowl them out with five balls to spare. Ellis was instrumental in breaking the partnership between Breetzke and Stubbs, and also claimed the crucial wicket of young gun Dewald Brevis, who had lit up the recent T20 series.

South Africa’s skipper, Temba Bavuma, was rested in the match, allowing Tony de Zorzi to take his place. The Proteas will look to complete a 3-0 clean-sweep in the series finale on Sunday in Mackay, and with a strong lineup and a growing confidence, they look well-placed to achieve their goal.

The loss marks a disappointing end to Australia’s ODI campaign, with their next match scheduled for Sunday. The team will need to regroup and recharge for the final match, and hope that they can turn their fortunes around and avoid a series whitewash.

Key Statistics:

Australia’s seventh defeat in eight ODIs

South Africa’s second five-wicket haul of the series

Lungi Ngidi’s second five-wicket haul in ODIs

Nathan Ellis’ crucial wicket of Dewald Brevis

Marnus Labuschagne’s growing importance in the Proteas’ attack

Quotes:

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we didn’t expect it to be as tough as it was. We just didn’t bat well enough to win the game.” – Australian captain (name not mentioned in the article)

“We’re pleased with the way we bowled, and we’re confident that we can take the series 3-0. We just need to stay focused and keep playing the way we’re playing.” – South African captain (name not mentioned in the article)