Australia suffered an ODI series defeat to South Africa with a game still to play, falling to a 32-run loss in the second ODI match of three in Johannesburg on Sunday. David Miller and Temba Bavuma both hit hundreds as South Africa set a huge total, and Australia could not chase it down.
South Africa posted 365-9 from their 50 overs after being inserted at the toss. Australia looked well placed early in their reply, but their middle-order batting troubles caught up with them. They lost by 32 runs in the final over.
Bavuma and Miller Lead the Way
Miller scored 142 off 93 balls, with 12 fours and nine sixes. Bavuma made 103 off 116. Together they helped South Africa to a score of 365-9 from their 50 overs.
The total was always going to be difficult. South Africa batted for their full 50 overs, rotating the strike well.
Australia Openers Set the Tone
Mitch Marsh and Travis Head opened the batting for Australia and both blazed the bowling to all parts. Marsh made 84 off 53 balls and Head made 85 off 76.
From 191-2 in the 25th over, Australia added only 62 for the loss of four wickets in the next 15 and a bit overs. That brought the total to 253-6, leaving Australia needing another 113 runs to win from the final 10 overs.
Spin Was the Difference
South Africa’s spinners did the damage. Keshav Maharaj took 2-54, Bjorn Fortuin took 2-70, and Aiden Markram took 1-55.
Seamer Lizaad Williams took 3-54 and Marco Jansen took 2-53.
Young Players Struggle in the Middle
Australia captain Mitch Marsh admitted the problem was obvious. “It’s certainly an area where we need to improve and we’re well aware of that,” he said. “I thought we set up our innings really well in both games but we haven’t been able to execute during those middle phases.”
He also praised the South African bowlers. “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.”
Bartlett’s late counter-punch helped Australia make a late push, but it was not enough to push them over the line.
The Series Situation
Australia have now lost 19 of their last 25 ODIs against South Africa. Their last bilateral ODI series win against the Proteas came in 2014.
The third and final ODI takes place in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Australia will look for a consolation win.
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller | 142 | 93 |
| Temba Bavuma | 103 | 116 |
| Mitch Marsh | 84 | 53 |
| Travis Head | 85 | 76 |
| Xavier Bartlett | 50 | 28 |
What Went Wrong for Australia
The pattern is consistent across the two matches so far. Australia start well, pile on the runs, and then collapse in the middle overs. The difference between the two teams was their ability to hold together.
South Africa’s batting built steadily. Australia’s batting splintered.
| Aspect | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Total set | 365-9 | 333 |
| Chase performance | Built towards a good total | Fell short by 32 runs |
| Recent record | Winning side | Losing streak of 19 of last 25 ODIs |
The Road Ahead
Australia will need to address their middle-order weakness if they are to stand any chance in the final match.
The challenge is real. South Africa have performed consistently across the board, and their spinners have been particularly effective.
Match Details
The third ODI starts live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12pm UK time, with the first ball at 12.30pm. The match will determine whether Australia can salvage a consolation win or whether the series goes to South Africa.
The broadcast will also include the latest Sky Sports deals for viewers looking to stream the cricket without a contract.
Key Numbers
- Miller’s eighth ODI century
- Bavuma’s sixth ODI century
- 365-9 is the total South Africa posted
- 333 is what Australia made in reply
- 19 of 25 ODIs lost against South Africa recently
- 2014 was the last bilateral ODI series win for Australia
Australia’s middle-order batting issues are well documented. This series has exposed them once again.
The series is not over yet. Australia will need to find answers quickly if they want to avoid a second straight defeat against their hosts.
Source material: “Australia suffer ODI series defeat to South Africa,” Sky Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.