Heading into the 3rd ODI between South Africa and Australia, this will be these groups’ final match against each other, with one side hoping to complete a sweep while other wants a win for some life. Looking at this Proteas squad being up 2-0, it’s clear that they have by far dominated this series and done it amongst all three phases. Despite not having their two main bowlers in Marco Jansen or Kagiso Rabada, who will be back for the England series, looking at the strength of newer bowlers gives them a lot of belief for future times. Having won their first two games by 90+ runs each, it will be interesting to see if they continue resting Temba Bavuma and letting Aiden Markram be a vital leader as captain, or both play to close out this series.
With this being the Proteas’ 4th victory against Australia in 5 previous series, they have started consistently having their way versus one of cricket’s strongest sides ever. Meanwhile, this series has been one to forget for the Aussies as their hot streak of winning series is officially over after three in a row. There have been a few concerns displayed throughout their ODI side after these matches, which will have to get fixed immediately if they want a chance at being massive threats for the 2027 ODI WC. After smashing West Indies in both formats and South Africa in T20Is pretty handily, they still have a chance to make this performance less disappointing than it currently looks. Captain Mitchell Marsh will have his troops for playing for their lives and be a motivating factor that he hopes is the edge for this Aussie side to come out on top.
Australia: Batting Consistency Has Been A Major Problem For This Side
Looking at Australia, one big issue that has remained throughout this series is how their batting order has performed from top to bottom. Opener Travis Head has struggled to find much form in this series after only hitting 33 runs in his first two matches and not hitting a 2nd gear. As he’s trying to resolve these issues and get back to his normal way of attacking with intent, plus providing powerful blows, Head is fighting for ways to build that 43.07 average. On the other side, Mitchell Marsh has been a positive note for this group lately as he’s scored 106 runs in 2 innings and had one during his first match that nearly got him to a century. Known for that pick-up shot, if he can display it in this match, his score can go a long way towards a dominant Aussie batting performance.
In the middle order, Cameron Green will continue hoping to score 35-40+ runs as he’s always been strong in that role and cultivated 664 runs during just 26 innings. Although he’s extremely tall and can bat with power, a unique part of this right-hander’s game is the ability to hit sweep shots both ways. Seeing that Marnus Labuschagne is looking to get back into form, his abilities really allow him to be a strong 2-down batsmen who’s scored 1871 runs in 65 ODI matches. Later on, Josh Inglis comes in as a true power-hitter and someone who can play at any tempo the game requires him to. Having an 87-run performance last match, both him and Alex Carey will be vital to this unit for scoring runs towards the end of Australia’s innings. To close it out, Aaron Hardie has shown a ton of batting ability as an all-rounder and will try being that surprise at the back.
Australia: Pacers Have Had Very Up-and-Down Performances While Spinners Have Quietly Dominated
For this Aussie group, their bowling attack has been filled with highs and lows to say the least, while two major pacers are ruled out for them once again. Seeing that this group’s main fast bowler is Josh Hazlewood, he has continued being one of the more economical bowlers who can consistently bowl at 140/150 km/hr. Although he took a wicket last match, he had a rare poor performance as his economy was at 6.21 and really couldn’t control the angle of deliveries. Someone who’s hoping to hit the same line and length again, which has helped him take 139 wickets in 93 matches, he will be a key factor alongside Nathan Ellis. Since Ellis also comes in from the right side, one amazing aspect of his game is bowling a different style of delivery on every ball, which has helped him keep a 5.40 economy and pick up 17 wickets in 14 ODIs.
The newest strength of this attack has become Xavier Bartlett, as he got two people out last match and has now taken 10 wickets in just three matches. Australia’s biggest weakness on their side is Aaron Hardie, as he continues struggling to find proper ways to attack the stumps and always seems to be the bowler South African batsmen bowl at. Having an economy of nearly 9 throughout this series, it will be interesting to see if Ben Dwarshuis will replace him as a left-handed bowler next match. Talking about spinners, Adam Zampa has had trouble keeping runs at a limit, even though he had taken three wickets last match. Going for over 6 runs on every six balls, part-time spinners Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head hope to continue being economical as part-time bowlers.
South Africa: Loaded Lineup Should Continue Having Another Strong Performance
Now, seeing South Africa’s batting side, they have a unit that’s able to get them near 300 runs on every given night. Having scored over 270 runs in his first two matches, their group has shown tremendous depth from top to bottom and been able to come out of several tough situations. Opening will be Aiden Markram as he continues being a very vital piece up-front, who hopes to build on his 80+ run performance in South Africa’s first ODI. Seeing that he can hit powerful shots and also mix it up with cover drives, his right-handed abilities really are a great mix for a lefty like Ryan Rickleton. As Rickleton struggled last match early on, he still has an average of 34.18 and will look to have a strong performance in powerplay overs.
At one-down, if Temba Bavuma doesn’t play once again, Tony De Zorzi will take over as a lefty who’s shown skill to hit drives on both the leg plus offside. Having scored 38 runs in just 39 balls last match, this is someone whose average is over 37 runs per innings in 50/50 matches, plus adding one century. Coming in at two-down, their biggest story has been record-breaker Matthew Breetzke, who has scored 378 runs during just 4 innings and hit over 50 in every single one of them. Known for his flamingo power shots and even hitting strokes with conviction, he, plus Tristan Stubbs, scored 323 runs in 11 ODIs, will produce a ton in the middle of this order. Knowing that Dewald Brevis is going to be a 360-hitter too, Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder should provide extra runs at the very end.
South Africa: Bowling Unit Has Showcased Tons of Potential
Seeing that South Africa has one of the most formidable pace and spin attacks, it will be in on full display once again, despite Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada missing out. Lungi Ngidi has continued being a real threat with his bouncers at an immense pace, which has allowed him to take a 5-wicket haul during this series. Getting 7 combined batsmen out, he’s really been great at creating edges and even forcing batsmen to hit in wrong directions. On the left side, Nandre Burger has been a huge revelation for this side as he’s taken 10 wickets in just 7 career ODIs and improved his economy by almost 3.00 between the last match versus first. As Wiaan Mulder will also bowl at least 7-8 overs and stay under a 5.95 economy, spinner Senuran Muthuswamy will be huge as he’s really learned how to turn in the ball and take 4 wickets during just 3 matches. With Keshav Maharaj, 63 wickets, still being their leader, and amongst the hardest left-handed spinners to hit, Aiden Markram will also be a part-time attacker, while players like Kwena Maphaka could get a chance in this match.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 107
South Africa Won: 57
Australia Won: 51
Last 5: South Africa have won 5 matches in a row
Predictions
South Africa Batting 1st: They will score 300-310 for 6 wickets lost
Australia Batting 1st: They will score 270-280 for 8 wickets lost
South Africa Batting 2nd: They will win by 3 to 4 wickets
Australia Batting 2nd: They will lose by 10 to 20 runs
Final Prediction: South Africa will win by 10 to 20 runs if batting 1st and 4 wickets if batting 2nd
Key Players
Australia
Mitchell Marsh: Captain and strong batsman who can really play that pick-up shot with strength
Josh Hazlewood: Top pacer who can swing the ball and take wickets with strong pace
Travis Head: Aggressive opening batsman who is looking to get back into form
Cameron Green: Class batsman who always seems to be consistent and can be powerful or play controlled
South Africa
Aiden Markram: Powerful opening batsman hitter who continues scoring fast up the order
Temba Bavuma: Captain and batter who lets everyone go first before he finishes the innings
Lungi Ngidi: Most experienced pacer who can bowl at 140/150 km/hr with long strides
Nandre Burger: Left-handed pacer who has slowly made his name as an economical bowler
Also Read: AUS vs SA: 3 Reasons For South Africa’s Heart-Breaking Defeat In 3rd T20I