South Africa have taken an early lead in their three-match One Day International series against Australia after defeating the visitors by 67 runs in Durban.
The Proteas, sent in to bat first, posted 297 for eight after a slow start, with Matthew Breetzke producing the standout performance of the innings.
Breetzke scored 112 runs before being run out, anchoring the South African innings and providing the foundation for a competitive total.
He received valuable support from Marco Jansen, who contributed 75 runs as South Africa recovered from their cautious start and built momentum towards the latter stages of the innings.
Australia began their chase with promise but struggled to maintain their progress as the South African bowling attack applied increasing pressure.
The visitors were eventually bowled out for 230 in the 42nd over, handing the Proteas a convincing 67-run victory.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South African bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs from 9.2 overs as Australia’s chase unravelled.
The result gives South Africa a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series and puts them in a strong position heading into the second encounter.
The second ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, with the match set to be the traditional Pink Day fixture.
Australia will need to respond in Johannesburg to keep the series alive, while South Africa will look to secure another victory and wrap up the series with a match to spare.