South Africa began their three-match ODI series against Australia with a win as Keshav Maharaj and Matthew Breetzke starred in their 67-run victory on Thursday.

Breetzke's unbeaten knock of 112 helped set Australia a target of 298 for victory, and a lower order collapse inspired by Maharaj's four wickets saw them skittled out for 230. 

Australia started brightly with the ball in hand as Tony de Zorzi (0) and Quinton de Kock (14) were removed inside the opening eight overs, but Breetzke steadied the ship.

Temba Bavuma (30) and Ryan Rickelton (27) chipped in with their own contributions in the middle order, but Breetzke's heroics led South Africa to 168 by the 34th over. 

David Miller (9) was then caught and bowled by Nathan Ellis (3-57), but Marco Jansen plundered 75 in 59 deliveries to aid Breetzke in the hosts' late surge to 297-8. 

Australia began their innings with intent as Mitchell Marsh raced to his half-century, with his partnership with Travis Head (36) getting the tourists to 90 inside 10 overs. 

With the seamers struggling, Maharaj was brought in, and he ended Marsh's time at the crease on 60, while Head was removed by Jansen (1-64) soon after. 

Josh Inglis (3) and Cooper Connolly (38) were then sent packing by Bjorn Fortuin (2-34), and even though Matt Renshaw's 44 tried to keep Australia's charge going strong, the wickets continued to tumble around him. 

Maharaj claimed the wickets of Cameron Green (5) and Jack Edwards (5), reducing Australia to 189-6, with Jansen then producing a stunning one-handed catch at deep mid-wicket to account for Mitchell Starc (16). 

The lower order crumbled soon thereafter, with Maharaj fittingly sealing the win with the wicket of Adam Zampa (7), ahead of Sunday's second match in Johannesburg.

MATCH RESULT.

South Africa defend their total, bowling Australia out for 230 to secure a 67-run victory in the first ODI.

A brilliant all-round team performance to start the series!#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/lRkOfbfYS5

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 24, 2026

Maharaj gets Australia in a spin

After storming to a 3-0 win over Namibia in an ODI series earlier this month, South Africa continued where they left off, with the help of Maharaj. 

Maharaj has now taken 22 wickets in ODIs against Australia, the joint-most of any South African spinner along with Pat Symcox. He also claimed his fourth four-wicket haul in the format, with only Imran Tahir (seven) managing more. 

In addition, his figures of 4-20 are the second-best in ODIs by a South African spinner against Australia on home soil, behind Nicky Boje's 5-12 in Cape Town 24 years ago. 

Breetzke also celebrated his second ODI century, though Australia captain Marsh admitted his side had not made the most of their chances, as they aim to build on their series whitewash of Zimbabwe. 

"I'm pretty disappointed. South Africa outplayed us. It was a good game of cricket, but we fell well short," Marsh said.

"We had our opportunities. I am probably going to sound like a broken record speaking about having partnerships in our batting, but we weren't able to form many tonight."