South Africa faced an early setback against Australia in the first ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, after losing both their opening batters inside the first five overs. Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to field, with Australia’s pace attack making the most of the early movement on offer.

Nathan Ellis then struck in the eighth over to remove Quinton de Kock, with Josh Inglis completing a sharp catch behind the stumps. The dismissal left South Africa in trouble early in their innings.

Josh Inglis takes sharp catch to dismiss Quinton de Kock

Ellis came into the attack and produced the breakthrough with a delivery that nipped across De Kock late. The South African opener was already committed to playing the shot and could only manage a thick outside edge. The ball travelled through to the wicketkeeper, where Inglis moved quickly to his left and held on to a good catch.

Ellis immediately celebrated the wicket with a loud roar as his Australian teammates gathered around him. De Kock departed for 14 off 18 balls, with his innings containing one four and one six. The wicket also meant South Africa had lost both their openers, with Tony de Zorzi having already been dismissed for a duck.

Here’s the video:

Beautiful Length Delivery From Ellis, De Kock Edges it.

SOUTH AFRICA 2 down as both wickets came in quite same Style. pic.twitter.com/RbOwqkZn54

— Malik Hassan. (@hazycraftss) September 24, 2026

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Australia make early inroads as South Africa rebuild

Australia’s decision to bowl first paid off almost immediately, with Josh Hazlewood and Ellis finding movement and troubling the South African top order. The Proteas were reduced to 9 for 2 inside the opening five overs, putting considerable pressure on their middle order. Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke then began the rebuilding process.

The pair adopted a cautious approach against the Australian quicks and put together a valuable partnership before Bavuma was dismissed for 30 off 48 balls. Breetzke provided greater attacking intent and scored 46 from 48 deliveries, including six fours and a six. However, his dismissal gave Australia another opening in the middle overs.

By the halfway stage of the innings, South Africa were 125 for 4 after 25 overs, with David Miller and Marco Jansen at the crease. Adam Zampa had also made an impact after claiming two wickets for 18 runs, with the pitch beginning to offer some grip as the innings progressed.

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