Going into the 2nd ODI between South Africa and Australia, this match will be vital for both sides, as one looks to increase their sweeping chances, while the other side hopes to tie it up in hopes of forcing a final knock-out match. As this Proteas unit have an edge after showing full control in their 98-run victory during the first match, they will look to exhibit similar abilities and create a dominating factor once again. Seeing that this group is still without Marco Jansen, who is set to miss all games, a lot of their younger bowlers will step up one more time after Kagiso Rabada was ruled out for all these matches due to ankle problems before match one.
A group led by Temba Bavuma, his resilient effort to lead from the front, and unselfish character traits, has allowed for everyone else to play with full confidence. Hoping to build his ODI record after already creating history leading South Africa’s test side, he’s shown consistent expertise in beating a team like Australia pretty easily. Now, going into the Aussies’ side, their group seemed a little lackluster, as several weaknesses were caught, including not being able to play spin or getting no consistent batting performances. Coming back in the second match will mean everything to them because if they lose out 2-0 in this series, their motivation will not be like it once did during 50/50 matches. With Mitchell Marsh captaining them yet again, it will be vital for him to continue being very tactical and sound in his various approaches throughout this match.
Australia: This Deeper Batting-Order Will Need To Step Up In A Huge Way To Change Outcomes
One aspect of Australia’s game that can impact their chances of winning is if their batting order is able to play at full potential. Something that was slowed down during their first match, it will be more than important for them to get back on track. Their two openers will be Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who have basically led the way similarly in T20Is as well for the past year due to their left/right combination. Seeing that these two produced a 60-run partnership in just 7 overs last match, Head looked unstoppable during the early part of Australia’s innings as he knocked 6 boundaries all over. Having a mix of aggression and solid shot-making, his 27 runs came easily before getting out on an edged ball right into Ryan Rickleton’s hands. The other opener in Mitchell Marsh, really took advantage of his opportunities last match, as he showed true captaincy by staying in when everyone around him was getting out.
Scoring an 88-knock, his performance was the only one that stood out towards the back end, as a lot of batsmen got out at a rapid pace. Witnessing 6 wickets lost just for 29 runs, the pressure never really got to him as Marsh hit 10 glorious boundaries. Looking at this group’s middle-order, Cameron Green, 629 runs in 29 matches, will show up again as a powerful hitter with sweeping abilities after just scoring 56 runs during four previous matches against South Africa across all formats. Marnus Labuschagne will be on this side’s fold as well after having a tough last outing, since he still averages over 35 runs per match, and analysts are saying he’s coming back with a vengeance. Josh Inglis has proved to be a true power-hitter in this format, 105.10 strike rate, and showed score at quick succession in this match, while Alex Carey, 2,149 runs, is hoping to provide more controlled shots. To close it out, all-rounder Aaron Hardie will look to improve on that 15.45 average, while Ben Dwarshuis has recently shown strong batting strength.
Australia: Bowling Attack Is Full Off Its Ups and Downs
Since the Aussies don’t have Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins in this series, their bowling has been very middle-of-the-pack and not shown to provide that similar threat they usually do. Seeing that Josh Hazlewood is a huge strength for this unit, he will look to get closer to a new milestone of 150 ODI wickets as he continues bowling at a length that supports the ball in nipping back. Going for a mere 4.76 economy during his career, he is going to be one massive benefit alongside Nathan Ellis, who is slowly turning himself into a world-class bowler. Having bowled his full 10 overs last match, while being very economical, the change of pace he provides with a variation of styles makes it confusing for batsmen to handle him. Picking up 15 wickets in just 13 ODIs, he will be another impactful right-handed pacer.
A huge problem for them last match was the bowling of Aaron Hardie, who only did two overs but allowed 20 runs. Someone who couldn’t find the middle of the stumps at all, it seemed like nothing was really controlled, but the lengths were completely off. To replace him, Australia may try Xavier Bartlett, whose taken 8 wickets in 2 matches, while they could also give him one more opportunity since he’s basically an all-rounder. Talking about spinners, Adam Zampa has recently been struggling a little bit in this 50/50 format and has given up a 5.5+ economy, which is pretty high for a spinner. Although Travis Head came in and tried to resolve a few issues last match, the part-time bowler can’t take 4-fers every match and expect to be bowling this long. Lastly, Ben Dwarshuis was the only left-handed pace option who has shown a few positives with his wicket-taking ability, but also continues losing control of how many runs he gives up at times.
South Africa: Loaded Side Of Batsmen Could End Up Playing A Huge Role Again
After the first match, one thing that was clear included how stacked South Africa’s batting lineup was. Opener Aiden Markram had another 80+ knock last match and showed his fight after hitting 9 boundaries, despite a pretty slow start. Someone who has averaged 37.73 runs per innings in this format, he continues developing his skills every time against the Aussies, plus putting on very strong performances against them. Hoping for another quick start, Ryan Rickleton, 33-run knock last game, has also found some great touch lately and will provide a threat since he’s lefty. This combination will be great because they can keep going for early partnerships that stack up around 90 runs before Temba Bavuma comes in to show his true class.
As Bavuma has scored 1912 runs during 49 matches, his ability to hit glorious drives and also have a very relaxed approach allows him to stay in matches much longer, giving other batsmen a chance to hit faster without any pressure. Uniquely skilled for his height, he has taken out a lot of doubters, like Michael Vaughn, from not believing in his style, and should really create a strong partnership with Matthew Breetzke. As Breetzke has hit two half-centuries and a 100+ in his first three innings, consistency is definitely there and should be on full display once again. Having seen his true power, it matches the ones of Tristan Stubbs, 31.12 average in ODIs, plus Dewald Brevis, who were built for this modern game. Finishing it up, Keshav Maharaj will also provide runs deep into innings.
South Africa: Pacers and Spinners Have Shown Tremendous Depth This Side Possesses
Talking about South Africa’s bowling attack is a big deal as well, since their group has showcased tremendous strength despite not having some of their biggest pieces. With no Kagiso Rabada, their main pace leader has been Lungi Ngidi, and it is more than well deserved. Having taken 105 wickets in just 68 matches, his style of bowling at 140/150 km/hr makes it hard for batsmen to continuously attack him down the ground. Although he was a little expensive last match, it wasn’t something that South Africa will have to worry about too much because he has a habit of fixing those mistakes. Coming in from the left side, Nandre Burger really stood out in his 8 overs because, despite allowing 54 runs, he remained a major wicket-taker. Having very strong pace as well, it sets up spinner Keshav Maharaj, to be very economical while also turning the ball in to create clean-bowled opportunities. Taking a 5 wicket-haul last match, him and righty Prenlayen Subrayen will be important since Australia seems to struggle with spin. Lastly, Aiden Markram could bowl a few vital overs as a spinner himself and potentially do more damage too.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 107
South Africa Won: 56
Australia Won: 51
Last 5: South Africa have won 4 of the last 5
Predictions
South Africa Bat 1st: They will score 300+ for the loss of 6 wickets
Australia Bat 1st: They will score 270-280 for the loss of 7 wickets
South Africa Bat 2nd: They will win by 3 to 4 wickets
Australia Bat 2nd: They will lose by 10-15 runs
Final Prediction: South Africa win by 15 runs if batting 1st and 4 wickets if batting 2nd
Key Players
South Africa
Keshav Maharaj: Currently the number one-ranked ODI bowler who can really turn the ball
Aiden Markram: Great top-order batsman who continues showing resilient effort
Temba Bavuma: Unique style of batting which helps him lead the team and stay in for long
Lungi Ngidi: Most experienced pacer that can swing the ball at 140 km/hr
Australia
Travis Head: Top order batsman that is very aggressive and can score fast
Mitchell Marsh: Great captain who’s known for his pickup shot
Josh Hazlewood: Top pacer that can swing the ball and is very accurate with length
Josh Inglis: True power-hitter who can extend the runs scored in this innings easily
Also Read: AUS vs SA: 3 Reasons For South Africa’s Heart-Breaking Defeat In 3rd T20I