Josh Inglis’s brilliant 87 wasn’t enough to save Australia, as South Africa cruised to an 84-run victory to take firm control of the series.
Chasing 278, Australia’s top order crumbled. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne fell for single digits, and captain Mitchell Marsh followed soon after. By the tenth over, the home side was in deep trouble.
Cameron Green and Inglis tried to rebuild. They added steady runs and pushed Australia past 100. The stand gave brief hope, but South Africa’s bowlers closed it quickly.
Senuran Muthusamy broke the partnership, and then Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger ran through the middle order. Wickets fell in clusters. Australia’s reply ended at 193 in the 37th over.
Josh Inglis fought a lone hand for Australia, smashing a career-best 87 against South Africa in a defiant innings.
But his brilliant knock couldn’t mask a deep-seated batting problem for the tourists. The loss leaves Australia searching for answers, while a confident South Africa has seized control of the series.
