The South Africa vs Australia first ODI is underway at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. South Africa and Australia are beginning a three-match ODI series. The contest is part of Australia’s tour of South Africa. The series will continue with matches in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
South Africa vs Australia first ODI begins in durban
The first match is being played at Kingsmead Cricket Ground. The scheduled start time was 10 am local time in Durban. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss. He decided to bowl first against the hosts. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he also would have preferred to bowl. South Africa began their innings after the toss. Australia opened the bowling with a strong pace attack. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis claimed early wickets.
At one stage, South Africa reached 81 for two after 17.3 overs. Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke were at the crease. Breetzke had scored 29 runs from 33 balls. Bavuma had made 30 runs from 47 balls. The opening partnership was interrupted early. Tony de Zorzi was dismissed for a duck. Quinton de Kock then fell for 14 runs. Hazlewood and Ellis took the wickets.
Teams prepare for an important ODI series
Both teams are using the series as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa enter the series after recent ODI action. Australia also arrive after a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Both teams have several established players in their squads.
The South Africa vs Australia rivalry has produced many notable ODI matches. South Africa currently holds a narrow historical advantage in completed ODIs. They have won 57 matches compared with Australia’s 52. Three matches have ended in ties. South Africa also won the previous bilateral ODI series between the teams. They secured a 2-1 series victory in Australia in August 2025.
Australia tour schedule
The current ODI series includes three matches. The second ODI will take place in Johannesburg on September 27. The third ODI is scheduled for Potchefstroom on September 30. The teams will then move into a three-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled for October 9 in Durban. The second Test will be played in Gqeberha from October 18. The final Test starts in Cape Town on October 27.
The ongoing match remains a developing cricket story. Further updates will include the latest score, wickets, partnerships, and match result.
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