In a rain-truncated game in Potchefstroom, South Africa, who had already sealed the series, went down to Australia by 45 runs under the DLS method. Rain was always a threat, as the Proteas experimented a little with the series already won and decided to chase. Australia showed fight and character to win the match and gain confidence ahead of the Test series coming up in October. We will try to list out the reasons for South Africa’s loss in the third ODI.
Lagging in the mandatory power play hurt the Proteas.Â
For the third time in a row, South Africa lagged in the power play. While they got away with it in the first two games as they were bowling second, this time there was no getting away with it as they got thoroughly exposed. They put the Aussies in, but failed to get early wickets as Mitchell Marsh once again dominated the proceedings while Head gave him company for a 78-run opening stand in 8.4 overs. Head fell, but the damage was done.
Australia were 82/1 in the mandatory power play and since they were batting first, the platform was laid out for Australia as they were batting first. South Africa did well to claw their way back with wickets in the middle phase, but Australia managed to get to 322/9, which is more than competitive at the JB Marks Oval. Conversely, when the Proteas came to chase 323, they lost Quinton de Kock and captain for the day Aiden Markram for low scores. Ryan Rickelton looked good and, alongside Matthew Breetzke, took South Africa to 54/2 in 10 overs.
The Proteas were behind and now had to play catch-up in the chase. The difference was 28 runs, and the extra wicket lost. This meant Australia always had their noses in front and eventually proved to be the difference. This is an area that South Africa needs to work on despite winning the series, as in all 3 matches, they lost the mandatory power play to Australia. They got away with it in the first two games, but not this time.
The inability to contain Alex Carey hurt South Africa.Â
Another important point to note is that South Africa was not able to contain Alex Carey last night. The hosts did well to chip away at the wickets from the other end, but Carey stood like a rock of Gibraltar and played an outstanding innings of 74 off 88 balls. He was the glue to the innings as others played around him. His innings made the difference in the end. The others played cameos, but Carey played the innings that allowed it to happen.
South Africa, with a rejigged bowling attack, had no idea how to contain or dismiss him. They tried with Corbin Bosch picking 4 wickets, but Carey batted well and deep, and he was the main reason why Australia got past a 300+ score. Once that happened and the Aussies had runs on the board, it was difficult to stop them. The others supported him fully.
South Africa needs to address this issue soon and find ways to stop him in the future, especially in Test series, as he will be an integral member of the squad come the Test matches. He is a key batter, and the Proteas need to devise better plans and tactics to dismiss him. If they do that, then they have a chance to do well in the Test series. Carey was the standout in the rain-curtailed game and got the Player of the Match award in the end.
Continuous underperformance of Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram pushed South Africa on the back foot.Â
Another aspect that hurt South Africa through the series was the continuous underperformance of Quinton de Kock and captain for the day Aiden Markram. Markram played two matches and got a duck in the last game and only 15 runs last night. While de Kock failed to get past the power play in any of the games and last night got a duck. With Tony de Zorzi out injured while fielding, the onus was on the openers to give the Proteas a solid start in the 323 chase. Instead, both went inside the power play.
De Kock went early for a duck while Markram got a few boundaries away before getting dismissed well within the power play. While in the first two matches, others covered up for their failures, last night it was not to be. Yes, Rickelton was batting well, and Bosch was in the end with him. But the target was too much to achieve in the end. The rain came and had the last say, which may have robbed us of a thriller, but the Aussies had control of the proceedings if we are being brutally honest.
De Kock does not play Test matches, but Markram is an integral member of the side and opens the batting in the longest form of the game. His being out of form is a concern for the Proteas going forward in Tests. He was the one who performed in the WTC 2025 final at Lord’s against Australia. If he is out of form and confidence, it could be catastrophic for the Proteas. So, both need to find their mojo back and perform to the best of their ability in ODIs. Markram needs to soon for Test cricket.
What Lies Ahead.Â
The ODI series is done and dusted with South Africa winning it by 2 matches to 1. It’s time now for the Test series. It’s going to be a 3-match series as part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle as 1 plays 2, with South Africa hosting Australia. The first Test is set to commence on 9th October 2026, which is a Friday, at Kingsmead in Durban. A riveting series awaits us all.
Let’s see how that series pans out for all of us.
Also Read: SA vs AUS: Alex Carey’s Gritty Half-Century Downs South Africa