Australia suffered a comprehensive defeat in the One Day International series against South Africa, losing the second of three scheduled matches by 32 runs in Johannesburg on Sunday, and handing the hosts the series with a game still to play. The South African side, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted an imposing total of 366 runs, thanks largely to two monumental centuries.

David Miller smashed an explosive 142 off just 93 deliveries, peppering the innings with twelve fours and nine sixes, while captain Temba Bavuma contributed a solid 103 from 116 balls. Their partnership laid the foundation for a daunting target that put the visiting Australians under immediate pressure. Australia’s chase began brightly. Openers Mitch Marsh and Travis Head provided a blistering start, combining for 169 runs in just 129 balls.

Marsh struck 84 runs off 53 deliveries, and Head added 85 off 76, both displaying aggressive intent and putting the South African bowlers on the back foot. Their early onslaught suggested that the visitors might be able to chase down the massive total, but the innings soon began to wobble as the middle order faltered. From a comfortable 191 for two at the end of the 25th over, the Australian side added a modest 62 runs while losing four wickets over the next fifteen overs, slipping to 253 for six. The middle-order collapse exposed lingering issues against spin and an inability to rotate the strike effectively.

South Africa’s spin attack, featuring Keshav Maharaj (2 for 54), Bjorn Fortuin (2 for 70) and the part‑time off‑spinner Aiden Markram (1 for 55), kept the Australians under constant pressure, while the pace duo of Lizaad Williams (3 for 54) and Marco Jansen (2 for 53) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Needing 113 runs from the final ten overs, Australia attempted a late surge. Young all‑rounder Xavier Bartlett tried to revive the innings with a quickfire fifty off just 28 balls, but the effort fell short. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 333 in the last over, handing South Africa a 33‑run victory and sealing the series win.

Captain Mitch Marsh reflected on the performance, acknowledging the team’s ongoing struggle in the middle phase of their innings: "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 ton and Bavuma’s sixth century were pivotal, propelling South Africa to a final score of 365‑9 after their full quota of 50 overs. On the Australian side, Jack Edwards, playing only his second ODI, impressed with a five‑wicket haul (5 for 67), while veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood claimed three wickets for 70 runs, including a first‑ball dismissal of Markram for a golden duck.

The defeat marks another setback for Australia, who have not won a bilateral ODI series against South Africa since 2014 and have lost 19 of their last 25 ODIs against the Proteas. The third and final match of the series will be played in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, offering Australia a chance to salvage a consolation win and end the tour on a more positive note. South African 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." Cricket fans can catch the concluding ODI live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage beginning at 12 pm (first ball at 12:30 pm). For those interested in streaming, Sky Sports offers various deals, including options without a contract on the NOW platform.

The match promises high‑octane action as both sides vie for pride, with Australia eager to avoid a series whitewash and South Africa looking to cement their dominance on home soil.