Australia suffered a comprehensive defeat in the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, losing the second of the three‑match contest by 32 runs in Johannesburg on Sunday, leaving the series out of reach with a game still to play. The hosts posted a formidable total of 366 runs, thanks to spectacular centuries from David Miller, who smashed 142 runs off just 93 balls, and Temba Bavuma, who contributed 103 runs from 116 deliveries.
Their partnership set a daunting target for the visitors after South Africa chose to bat first following the toss. The Australian chase began brightly. Openers Mitch Marsh and Travis Head combined for an aggressive opening stand, with Marsh scoring 84 runs off 53 balls and Head adding 85 off 76. Their early onslaught put the South African bowlers under pressure and suggested that a successful chase might be within reach.
However, the middle order soon ran into trouble, particularly against the spin attack that South Africa deployed. From a comfortable 191 for 2 at the end of the 25th over, Australia managed only 62 runs for the loss of four wickets over the next fifteen overs, slipping to 253 for 6.
The loss of momentum was evident as the team struggled to rotate the strike and negotiate the turning ball. In the final ten overs, they required an additional 113 runs, a steep ask under the circumstances.
A brief resurgence came from Xavier Bartlett, who struck a quickfire 50 off 28 balls, but it was insufficient to bridge the gap. Ultimately, Australia were bowled out for 333 runs in the last over, falling short of the target. South Africa’s spin trio made a significant impact: Keshav Maharaj claimed 2 wickets for 54 runs, Bjorn Fortuin took 2 for 70, and Aiden Markram added 1 for 55. The pace department also contributed, with Lizaad Williams returning figures of 3 for 54 and Marco Jansen picking up 2 for 53.
Australian captain Mitch Marsh acknowledged the shortcomings of his side, saying, "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, along with Bavuma’s sixth, propelled South Africa to a final score of 365‑9 from their allotted 50 overs. On the Australian side, Jack Edwards, making only his second ODI appearance, impressed with figures of 5 for 67, while veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood dismissed Markram on the very first ball, delivering a golden duck, and finished with 3 for 70.
The loss extends Australia’s drought in bilateral ODI series against South Africa; they have not secured a series win since 2014 and have dropped 19 of their last 25 ODIs against the hosts. The team will now turn their attention to the final match of the series in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, hoping to salvage a consolation victory.
South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, praised his side’s all‑round performance, stating, "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 catch 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 options, Sky Sports offers various deals, including a no‑contract option on NOW, ensuring viewers can follow the action without commitment.