Total dominance! South Africa outclass Australia, make it five ODI series wins on the trot

South Africa continued their stranglehold over Australia in one-day internationals, clinching their fifth successive bilateral ODI series win with a commanding performance in Mackay on Friday. The Proteas defended 277 to secure victory by 84 runs in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The triumph extends South Africa’s dominance in the rivalry, with the Proteas now having won eight of the last 10 bilateral ODI series against Australia, including each of the last five (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023 and now 2025). They have also taken 17 of the last 21 completed ODIs between the two teams.Australia’s batting woes once again proved costly. Chasing 278, they folded for just 193, marking the fourth consecutive time they have been dismissed for under 200 in home ODIs. Remarkably, three of those four collapses have come against South Africa. Apart from Josh Inglis, who struck a fighting half-century (87 off 74), the rest of the Australian batting line-up faltered against disciplined bowling from Lungi Ngidi (5/42) and Nandre Burger (2/23). Ngidi, who claimed a five-wicket haul, was all smiles at the end, with Inglis’ dismissal proving the final nail in the coffin.South Africa’s innings was set up by Matthew Breetzke (88 off 78) and Tristan Stubbs (74), who added crucial partnerships after early wickets. Breetzke, continuing his dream start to international cricket, struck eight fours and two sixes in his knock, making it four successive 50-plus scores in his first four ODIs. Stubbs provided stability in the middle overs before Adam Zampa (3/63) pegged back the visitors. The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 277 in 49.1 overs.Australia’s reply began poorly, with Burger and Ngidi striking early to dismiss Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Cameron Green (35) added some resistance alongside Inglis, but Senuran Muthusamy broke that stand, leaving the hosts in deeper trouble. Dropped catches did not cost South Africa much, as they wrapped up the game comfortably.For Australia, the defeat continues a worrying trend. They have now lost seven of their last eight ODIs, with their only win in that period coming against England during the Champions Trophy earlier this year.South Africa, meanwhile, have made a habit of outplaying their fierce rivals, and this fifth consecutive ODI series win firmly underlines their supremacy in the contest.