DURBAN, 24 September, 2026 (News Desk): South Africa defeated Australia by 67 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, with Keshav Maharaj claiming four wickets and Matthew Breetzke scoring a century to lead the hosts to victory. Chasing a target of 298, Australia were bowled out for 230 in 41.2 overs despite a strong start led by captain Mitchell Marsh, who scored a brisk 60 off 36 balls with five fours and six sixes. Marsh and Travis Head added 90 runs in the first 9.2 overs before Marsh was dismissed after Maharaj was introduced into the attack. Head scored 36 off 37 balls and shared a 39-run partnership with Cooper Connolly, but Australia struggled in the middle overs, losing wickets regularly and slipping from 129-2 to 156-4. Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin continued to trouble the Australian batters and prevented the lower order from rebuilding the chase. Matt Renshaw offered some resistance with 44 off 49 balls, including six fours, but Australia were eventually dismissed for 230. Maharaj finished with four wickets, while Corbin Bosch and Fortuin claimed two wickets each. Earlier, South Africa recovered from a shaky start to post 297, with Breetzke scoring a superb 112 off 106 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. Marco Jansen also contributed a rapid 75 off 59 deliveries, hitting seven fours and four sixes. Breetzke and Jansen shared a 107-run sixth-wicket partnership that helped South Africa move from 168-5 to 275 before the 47th over. Nathan Ellis was Australia’s leading bowler with three wickets. The victory gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.