Lungi Ngidi's Stellar Performance Secures Series Win for South Africa Against Australia

In a thrilling second ODI, Lungi Ngidi's remarkable five-wicket haul helped South Africa defeat Australia, securing the series with one match to spare. Ngidi's strategic approach to dismissing Marnus Labuschagne was inspired by previous tactics used in the ICC World Test Championship. With Labuschagne struggling to find form, Ngidi's performance highlights South Africa's consistent success across formats. As they prepare for the final ODI, the team aims to maintain their winning momentum. Discover more about Ngidi's insights and the team's journey in this exciting match recap.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 01:58 IST

Ngidi's Game-Changing Strategy

In Mackay, Australia, on August 23, South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi shared insights into his strategy that led to the dismissal of struggling Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne during the second ODI. Ngidi's impressive figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs played a crucial role in defending a total of 278, ultimately dismissing the reigning World Champions for just 193 runs and clinching the series with one match remaining.

This five-wicket haul marked Ngidi's first Player of the Match award in nearly three years across any format.

After the match, Ngidi explained that his approach to Labuschagne was inspired by fellow bowler Marco Jansen's tactics used in the ICC World Test Championship Final earlier this year. He noted, "We analyze videos and have observed that deliveries outside off stump that shape away can be effective. Labuschagne tends to leave those well, but in ODI cricket, scoring runs is essential, so he might feel tempted to chase those balls."

Ngidi emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent line and length, stating, "I aimed to keep it straightforward and focused on that area, and it worked out as planned."

Labuschagne's recent form has been concerning, as he has not scored a century in his last 48 international matches, accumulating 12 fifties in 56 innings with an average of 28.74.

South Africa has shown remarkable consistency across formats, having won the World Test Championship 2025 and reaching the finals of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, along with several semi-final appearances.

Ngidi highlighted the team's commitment to their playing style, saying, "The key is how we perform. Are we playing our brand of cricket? When we lose while not executing our game plan, that's a concern. But when we play freely and according to our strategy, that's what makes it enjoyable."

Reflecting on his five-wicket performance, he added, "It's about having the freedom to bowl as you wish. We've been in international cricket long enough to understand our strengths and what we need to do. Set your field and bowl according to the conditions you face."

Ngidi has particularly enjoyed bowling against Australia, taking 26 wickets against them, the highest against any team. He remarked, "Competing against Australia is always intense. It's a true test of character, especially after the pressure from the T20Is. We had the chance to secure a series win tonight, so it was crucial to mentally rise to the occasion and finish strong."

He concluded, "This rivalry has always existed and will continue for many years to come."

South Africa aims to conclude their tour on a high note when they face Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday, August 24, in Mackay.