• Australia's Josh Inglis valiant effort fell short as a brilliant fifer from South Africa's Lungi Ngidi secured a series-clinching win for the visitors in the second ODI.

  • Ngidi eventually bagged the Player of the Match for his destructive bowling performance against South Africa.

AUS vs SA: Josh Inglis’ fighting knock goes in vain as Lungi Ngidi’s fifer guides South Africa to series-clinching win in 2nd ODI
Josh Inglis and Lungi Ngidi (Image Source: X)

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In a captivating contest at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Australia‘s valiant effort fell short as a brilliant fifer from South African pacer Lungi Ngidi secured a series-clinching win for the visitors in the second ODI by 84 runs. Despite a heroic and fighting knock from wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who battled to keep the hosts’ hopes alive, the Australian batting lineup crumbled under immense pressure. Ngidi’s sensational performance, a career-best five-wicket haul, exposed the fragility of a new-look Australian middle order, sealing a memorable series victory for South Africa with one match still to play.

Josh Inglis’ lone battle in Australia’s collapse as Lungi Ngidi’s sensational fifer seals the series for South Africa

Chasing South Africa’s formidable total of 277, Australia’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing key wickets in quick succession. The top order, including openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, and out of form Marnus Labuschagne, all fell cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 38/3. It was at this critical juncture that Inglis came to the crease and, with Cameron Green, began the monumental task of rebuilding the innings. Inglis played a knock of remarkable composure and aggression, a much-needed return to form after a recent dry spell.

He brought up his half-century with a confident single, showcasing his range of shot-making. His partnership with Green, which added 67 runs, gave Australia a glimmer of hope. However, wickets continued to fall around him, and with the required run rate climbing, Inglis was forced to take on more of the burden. He fought bravely, hitting 10 fours and 2 sixes in his 74-ball innings before he was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 87, caught behind off the bowling of the man of the hour, Ngidi. His dismissal effectively sealed Australia’s fate as the hosts were bundled out for 193 in 37.4 overs.

While Inglis was single-handedly keeping Australia in the hunt, Lungi Ngidi was the chief architect of their downfall. The South African pacer, known for his express pace and effective variations, delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression Ngidi’s crucial breakthrough came when he removed the set batter Inglis, but he had already done significant damage earlier in the innings. His spell was a combination of well-directed short balls and accurate slower deliveries that consistently found the edges.  He finished with figures of 5/42 in 8.4 overs. that perfectly capture his dominance, claiming five wickets to dismantle the Australian middle and lower order. Ngidi’s fifer not only secured a win in the second ODI but also clinched the series for South Africa.

Also READ: AUS vs SA: Fans brutally troll Marnus Labuschagne after his poor form with the bat continues in 2nd ODI

Here’s how fans reacted:

Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs takes South Africa to a competitive total

Earlier, South Africa’s first innings was a tale of two strong partnerships, bookended by early troubles and a late-innings collapse, that ultimately saw them post a competitive total of 277 on the board. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors got off to a shaky start. The Australian bowlers, led by Xavier Bartlett, struck early, sending both openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, back to the pavilion with just 23 runs on the board.

Despite the early setbacks, the innings was stabilized by a crucial 67-run partnership between Tony de Zorzi (38) and Matthew Breetzke (88). Their aggressive approach and smart shot selection helped them counter the Australian attack and get the innings back on track. Breetzke was particularly impressive, scoring at a brisk pace to notch up a career-best of 88. After de Zorzi’s dismissal, Breetzke found another able partner in Tristan Stubbs (74).

This pair built on the solid foundation, adding another 89 runs for the fourth wicket and setting the Proteas up for a big finish. However, a late-innings collapse triggered by the dismissals of Breetzke and Stubbs, along with the lower order’s struggle against the Australian spinners, meant South Africa couldn’t capitalize on their strong position. They were eventually bowled out for 277 in 49.1 overs, with Labuschagne and Adam Zampa doing the most damage in the late overs.

Also WATCH: AUS vs SA: Alyssa Healy’s on-air call meets perfection as Josh Inglis takes a stunner to dismiss Ryan Rickelton in 2nd ODI

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