South Africa vs Australia is underway at Kingsmead in Durban, with the Proteas batting first in the opening match of a three-game one-day international series.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to field on an overcast morning in Durban.
The latest official match-centre update had South Africa at 22 for one after 6.2 overs, with 43.4 overs still available in the innings.
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South Africa vs Australia live score
| Match | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 22/1 after 6.2 overs | Batting first |
| Australia | Yet to bat | Won toss and fielding |
The first wicket has given Australia an early opening, but the match remains in its initial phase and South Africa still has most of its innings ahead.
Changed lineups for the first ODI
Australia has made several changes after completing a 3-0 ODI sweep of Zimbabwe.
Jack Edwards is making his ODI debut, while Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc return to the playing XI.
Josh Hazlewood also comes back to join Starc in the pace attack.
Alex Carey is not in the Australian XI, with Josh Inglis taking the wicketkeeping role.
Pat Cummins is available in the touring squad but is being rested for this match, leaving Marsh to lead the side.
Australia’s first ODI teams and toss update confirms the lineup changes.
Australia’s XI is Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa has selected Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj.
Gerald Coetzee is returning to ODI cricket for the first time since the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
Aiden Markram is missing the opener for personal reasons, while South Africa is without several injured fast bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
What is at stake in the ODI series
The three-match series is scheduled to continue in Johannesburg on September 27 before moving to Potchefstroom for the final ODI on September 30.
The matches serve as preparation for the three-Test series between the teams beginning in October.
Cricket Australia’s South Africa v Australia ODI series guide covers the campaign.
South Africa has won the past five bilateral ODI series between the sides, while Australia’s last series victory in the fixture came in November 2014.
The Proteas also hold a narrow overall ODI advantage, with 57 wins to Australia’s 52, alongside three ties.
The historical edge has not removed the pressure on South Africa.
The hosts are playing their first home ODI series since December 2024 and are attempting to avoid losing three consecutive home ODI series for the first time.
Australia arrives with momentum after its Zimbabwe sweep, but the tourists are also balancing preparation for the Test matches that follow this short ODI campaign.
How to follow South Africa vs Australia
The first ODI is being played at Kingsmead in Durban.
The match began at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, September 24, 2026, or 6 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Cricket Australia lists Kayo and Fox Cricket as the Australian broadcast options for the tour, while live scoring and match information are available through the official Cricket Australia match centre.
Further updates will depend on South Africa’s progress through the opening innings and Australia’s response when it begins its chase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current South Africa vs Australia score?
The latest official update had South Africa at 22 for one after 6.2 overs, batting first in Durban.
Who won the toss in the first ODI?
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to field.
Where is South Africa vs Australia being played?
The first ODI is being played at Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa.
Who is captaining Australia?
Mitchell Marsh is captaining Australia for the first ODI, with Pat Cummins rested for the match.
When is the next ODI between South Africa and Australia?
The second ODI is scheduled for September 27, 2026, at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, the live score, toss, playing XIs and series schedule were checked against Cricket Australia’s official match centre and team update.
Disclaimer: Live scores and match conditions can change as play continues.