South Africa put up a fighting total of 277 runs in 49.1 overs against Australia in the second ODI at Mackay, thanks to crucial fifties from Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs.
Opting to bat first, the Proteas got off to a poor start. Skipper Aiden Markram fell for a four-ball duck, while Ryan Rickelton managed just eight. Tony de Zorzi scored 38, but wickets at regular intervals left South Africa in trouble at 90 for 3.
That’s when Breetzke and Stubbs turned things around. The pair stitched together an 89-run stand, steadying the innings. Breetzke played fluently, smashing 88 runs off 78 balls with eight fours and two sixes. Stubbs provided the anchor role, compiling 74 runs off 87 balls with three boundaries and a six.
After Breetzke was caught at deep square leg by Alex Carey off Nathan Ellis, the innings slowed. Youngster Dewald Brevis made just one, while Wiaan Mulder contributed 26. Stubbs’ dismissal in the 44th over by Adam Zampa halted South Africa’s hopes of pushing for 300.
Still, a handy 22 not out from Keshav Maharaj ensured the Proteas crossed the 270 mark.
For Australia, Zampa led the attack with 3 for 63, while Ellis, Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett grabbed two wickets each. Josh Hazlewood also chipped in with one.
The chase is set at 278 runs, with the series in balance.