Australia suffered a comprehensive defeat in the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, losing the second match of a three‑game set by 32 runs in Johannesburg on Sunday, which effectively handed the series to the hosts with a game to spare. The South African side posted a daunting total of 366 runs, thanks to two spectacular centuries from David Miller and Temba Bavuma, while the Australian batting line‑up, despite a promising start, faltered in the middle order and could not chase down the target, eventually being bowled out for 333. The match began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat first. David Miller exploded for 142 runs off just 93 deliveries, a blistering innings that featured 12 fours and nine sixes, showcasing his power hitting and timing.
At the other end, captain Temba Bavuma contributed a well‑crafted 103 off 116 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring a steady flow of runs. Their partnership laid the foundation for a massive total of 365‑9 after the full 50 overs, a score that put immense pressure on the visitors. Australia’s reply started brightly. Openers Mitch Marsh and Travis Head provided an aggressive opening stand, scoring 84 off 53 balls and 85 off 76 balls respectively.
Their intent was clear: they wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking and put South Africa on the back foot. The pair’s rapid scoring rate and willingness to attack the bowlers gave the Australian side a solid platform and raised hopes of a competitive chase. However, once the first wicket fell, the Australian innings began to unravel.
The middle order, which had struggled against spin throughout the series, once again found the conditions challenging. From a relatively comfortable 191‑2 at the end of the 25th over, the team added only 62 runs for the loss of four wickets over the next 15 overs, slipping to 253‑6.
This collapse highlighted the recurring issue of handling quality spin, as South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Keshav Maharaj (2‑54) and Bjorn Fortuin (2‑70), applied relentless pressure. The required run rate surged in the final ten overs, with Australia needing 113 more runs to win.
A late surge came from Xavier Bartlett, who smashed a quickfire 50 off just 28 balls, providing a brief flash of hope. Nonetheless, the effort was insufficient; the hosts were eventually dismissed for 333 in the final over, falling short by 32 runs.
The seam attack also contributed, with Lizaad Williams taking three wickets for 54 runs and Marco Jansen adding two for 53. Australia’s captain, Mitch Marsh, reflected on the performance, acknowledging the need for improvement: "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." South Africa’s bowlers also made significant contributions.
Jack Edwards, playing only his second ODI, claimed a five‑wicket haul (5‑67), while Josh Hazlewood, who dismissed Aiden Markram for a golden duck with the very first ball, finished with figures of 3‑70. Their combined efforts ensured that the Australian chase never truly got back on track.
The result extends a difficult run for Australia against the Proteas. The Australians have not won a bilateral ODI series against South Africa since 2014 and have lost 19 of their last 25 ODIs against the hosts. With the series now effectively decided, Australia will look to salvage pride in the final match scheduled for Wednesday in Potchefstroom.
A win would at least provide a consolation and a chance 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." His comments underscore the balanced effort that saw South Africa dominate both with the bat and the ball. The third and final ODI of the series will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the first ball scheduled for 12:30 pm on Wednesday.
Fans can also explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream the match without a contract on the NOW platform. The concluding game offers both teams an opportunity: South Africa to cement their series victory and Australia to demonstrate resilience and perhaps end the tour with a morale‑boosting win.