South Africa have been put in to bat in both matches during the series and posted solid totals. Australia, in both, looked good in the chase until the openers were dismissed, and then collapsed against the hosts spinners.
Key Stats - Aussie Batting Struggling
- South Africa’s David Miller scored 93 off 142 balls in the 2nd ODI.
- South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has scores of 30* & 103 in the series.
- South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has figures of 4/20 & 2/54 in 2 matches.
- South Africa have lost just 1 of their 10 ODI at Senwes Park.
- South Africa have lost just 1 of their last 5 ODIs against Australia
- Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has scored 36, 52, 60 & 84 in his last 5 matches.
- Australia’s Travis Head has scores of 112, 36 & 84 in his last 4 innings.
- Australia’s Nathan Ellis has taken 12 wickets in his last 5 innings.
Proteas Lead
South Africa lead the current series 2-0 against Australia and have won four of their last five ODIs against the Aussies.
South Africa Sublime
South Africa have already sealed the series and will now chase a clean sweep after another powerful all-round display in the second ODI. Despite an early wobble, Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a bright 103 before David Miller destroyed the Australian attack in smashing 142 off 93 balls to drive the Proteas to 365.
The bowlers then held their nerve as Australia threatened the chase, with Lizaad Williams taking 3/54 and Marco Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin and Keshav Maharaj claiming two wickets each.
South Africa also have plenty of form around the squad. Matthew Breetzke has scored 347 runs at 49.57, while Quinton de Kock has 319 runs from his last seven matches. Confidence is high and momentum is firmly with the hosts.
Australia Batsmen Struggling against Spin
Australia are playing for pride after losing the series but their biggest problem remains turning strong starts into complete batting performances. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both scored 84 in the second ODI and helped Australia race past 130 inside 17 overs, but the innings lost momentum once the top order had been knocked over.
The middle order again failed to make the most of a strong platform, although Xavier Bartlett’s rapid 50 offered some late resistance.
There were positives with the ball for Australia as Jack Edwards took an excellent 5/67 while Josh Hazlewood claimed three wickets. Nathan Ellis remains a major threat with 20 wickets in his last nine matches. Australia have enough firepower to challenge the Proteas but they desperately need greater consistency through the middle overs.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
South Africa have already wrapped up the series with back-to-back wins. They have strong performances from across their side which should give them confidence as they target a clean sweep in the series. Australia have started brightly in both ODIs but their middle order keeps stalling, leaving them under pressure again.
South Africa (possible XI): Quinton de Kock, Adam Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Duan Jansen, Lizaad Williams, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj.
Australia (possible XI): Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.