New Delhi: South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder gave his team and fans a real scare during the second ODI against Australia in Mackay on Friday. Midway through his run-up, Mulder collapsed awkwardly on the pitch, leaving everyone fearing the worst. Thankfully, he bounced back quickly and even turned the moment into a positive one just a delivery later.
The incident unfolded in the 10th over of Australia’s innings when he was charging in for his first ball, Mulder’s back foot slipped during his follow-through, sending him crashing to the ground. Teammates rushed in concern with the stadium holding its breath over a possible serious injury.
However, Mulder showed great composure as he got back on his feet, dusted himself off and resumed his over as if nothing had happened. On his very next delivery, he dismissed Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. From a frightening moment to a breakthrough wicket, Mulder turned the narrative in the space of two balls.
Wiaan Mulder had a scary fall running in for his first delivery of the evening, but dismissed Mitch Marsh just moments later. #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/XhA8blau3v
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2025
Earlier, South Africa had posted 277 after opting to bat first. The innings was built on a fine knock of 88 from Breetzke, who struck eight fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Tony de Zorzi (38) and Tristan Stubbs whose fluent 74 helped the Proteas set a competitive total. Adam Zampa picked up 3 for 63 while Cameron Green impressed with four sharp catches in the field.
Australia’s chase never really took off with Travis Head getting dismissed cheaply for nine while Marnus Labuschagne managed just one. Marsh briefly threatened with an attacking 18 but his dismissal opened the door for the Proteas. The only real resistance came from Josh Inglis, who scored a fighting 87 and added 67 runs with Cameron Green (35).
Once Green fell to spinner Senuran Muthusamy and Inglis was caught behind off Ngidi, the Australian innings crumbled. They were bowled out for 193 in the 38th over. Ngidi starred with the ball, taking 5 for 42 as South Africa wrapped up an emphatic 84-run win and sealed the series.
Australia’s worrying trend
The defeat means Australia have now lost three consecutive ODI series, their longest such run in six years. For South Africa, though, the match will be remembered not just for Ngidi’s five-for but also for Mulder’s remarkable recovery from what could have been a nasty injury.