Australia suffered a series defeat in the One Day International (ODI) contest against South Africa, with the outcome decided before the final match when the hosts triumphed by 32 runs in the second of the three‑game series in Johannesburg on Sunday. The South African side posted a formidable total, thanks to explosive centuries from David Miller, who smashed 142 runs off just 93 deliveries, and Temba Bavuma, who contributed 103 runs from 116 balls. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Proteas piled up an imposing 366‑9 in their allotted 50 overs, setting a target that would prove too steep for the visitors. Australia’s chase began brightly.
Opening partners Mitch Marsh and Travis Head provided a blazing start, with Marsh scoring 84 runs off 53 balls and Head adding 85 off 76, both hitting the ball all around the ground and putting the required run‑rate well within reach. Their aggressive intent gave the Australian side a solid platform and suggested the match could swing in their favour.
However, the middle order soon ran into trouble. From a comfortable 191‑2 at the end of the 25th over, the Australian innings stalled dramatically. Over the next 15 overs they managed only 62 runs while losing four wickets, slipping to 253‑6. The loss of wickets at regular intervals highlighted persistent issues with handling spin and negotiating the middle‑phase of the innings – a weakness that South Africa exploited with disciplined bowling.
Needing 113 more runs from the final ten overs, Australia attempted a late surge. Xavier Bartlett provided a quickfire 50 runs off just 28 balls, injecting some excitement into the chase.
Despite his effort, the team could not sustain the momentum and were eventually bowled out for 333 runs in the last over, falling short by 33 runs. South Africa’s spin attack featured Keshav Maharaj, who claimed two wickets for 54 runs, and Bjorn Fortuin, who took two for 70. All‑rounder Aiden Markram also contributed with a solitary wicket for 55 runs. Among the seamers, Lizaad Williams was the most successful, picking up three wickets for 54 runs, while Marco Jansen added two for 53.
Australian captain Mitch Marsh reflected on the performance, acknowledging the team’s ongoing struggle in the middle order: "It’s certainly an area where we need to improve and we’re well aware of that. I thought we set up our innings really well in both games but we haven’t been able to execute during those middle phases.
It’s a great learning curve, especially for some of our younger players. But you also have to give South Africa full credit for the way they’ve bowled during those periods." Miller’s eighth ODI century – packed with 12 fours and nine sixes – and Bavuma’s sixth were instrumental in reaching the 365‑9 total. For Australia, Jack Edwards, playing only his second ODI, impressed with a five‑wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5‑67.
Veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also made his mark, taking three wickets for 70 runs and dismissing Aiden Markram for a golden duck on the very first ball. The series loss extends a drought for Australia; they have not secured a bilateral ODI series win against South Africa since 2014 and have dropped 19 of their last 25 ODIs against the hosts. The Australians will now turn their attention to the final match in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, seeking a consolation victory to end the tour on a positive note. South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, praised his side’s all‑round performance: "It was another really good all‑round team performance.
It started with the bat. Conditions were a little tricky up front but we managed to get through that period and build towards a good total.
David played an unbelievable innings and then the bowlers did their job as well." Fans can watch the decisive third ODI live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 12 pm (first ball at 12:30 pm) on Wednesday. For those interested in streaming, Sky Sports offers various deals, including options with no contract through the NOW platform.