Australia may have edged the T20I series by 2-1, but South Africa have turned the tables in the ODIs, sealing the series 2-0 with one match to spare. Now comes the 3rd and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, and while the trophy is already in South Africa’s bag, who have been continuing their dominance over Australia in ODI cricket with a fifth successive bilateral series win since 2016, the excitement lies in how this dead rubber will shape future plans. Can Australia salvage pride after losing seven of their last eight ODIs, or will South Africa complete a clean sweep to underline their dominance? This contest is also another step in the bigger journey, as both teams continue to test fresh combinations and young players with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Let’s look back at the first two games because that explains exactly where the two sides stand. In the first ODI, South Africa posted 296/8 with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke scoring runs before Keshav Maharaj ran through Australia with 5/33, handing them a 98-run defeat. In the second match, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs gave South Africa a solid total of 277 with their respective fifties, before Lungi Ngidi’s 5/42 knocked Australia out for 193. South Africa won by 84 runs and wrapped up the series. How are South Africa shaping up now? They look settled. Their batting has depth with Breetzke in form, Markram leading, and Stubbs showing maturity in the middle order. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi have provided useful starts, too, though consistency is an area they can improve. The bigger boost is their bowling, as Maharaj, now No. 1 in the ODI bowling rankings, has been superb, while Ngidi’s variations destroyed Australia in Mackay. Nandre Burger’s pace has added edge, and Wiaan Mulder has chipped in with bat and ball. They did not even miss Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect action and was out of the series, which had reduced their spin options. Still, the balance of this side has been impressive. What about Australia? Where are they struggling? The problems have been plenty. In both games, their top order collapsed. In Cairns, Mitchell Marsh’s 88 was the only real resistance, while in Mackay, Josh Inglis fought with a fine 87, but had no support. Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green have all looked shaky, and the middle order has fallen apart too easily. Their bowling has had moments, where Adam Zampa picked wickets, Xavier Bartlett showed promise, but the attack hasn’t been able to contain or strike consistently. Australia have now lost seven of their last eight ODIs, and though this period has seen them rest senior players, the lack of direction is clear. For the final ODI, they need partnerships with the bat and discipline with the ball if they want to avoid another series whitewash. So what can we expect in Mackay in the 3rd and final ODI? The pitch at Great Barrier Reef Arena has given runs but also assisted bowlers with bounce and turn, as Ngidi showed. If Australia’s batters don’t adapt, South Africa could dominate again. But if Marsh, Head, or Inglis can hold things together, Australia have a chance to hit back. South Africa have the upper hand, but dead rubbers can surprise. The bigger question is - can Australia finally break South Africa’s hold in this format, or will the visitors complete a clean sweep and strengthen their run-up to the 2027 World Cup? Let’s find out soon.
Australia may have edged the T20I series by 2-1, but South Africa have turned the tables in the ODIs, sealing the series 2-0 with one match to spare. Now comes the 3rd and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, and while the trophy is already in South Africa’s bag, who have been continuing their dominance over Australia in ODI cricket with a fifth successive bilateral series win since 2016, the excitement lies in how this dead rubber will shape future plans. Can Australia salvage pride after losing seven of their last eight ODIs, or will South Africa complete a clean sweep to underline their dominance? This contest is also another step in the bigger journey, as both teams continue to test fresh combinations and young players with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Let’s look back at the first two games because that explains exactly where the two sides stand. In the first ODI, South Africa posted 296/8 with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke scoring runs before Keshav Maharaj ran through Australia with 5/33, handing them a 98-run defeat. In the second match, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs gave South Africa a solid total of 277 with their respective fifties, before Lungi Ngidi’s 5/42 knocked Australia out for 193. South Africa won by 84 runs and wrapped up the series. How are South Africa shaping up now? They look settled. Their batting has depth with Breetzke in form, Markram leading, and Stubbs showing maturity in the middle order. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi have provided useful starts, too, though consistency is an area they can improve. The bigger boost is their bowling, as Maharaj, now No. 1 in the ODI bowling rankings, has been superb, while Ngidi’s variations destroyed Australia in Mackay. Nandre Burger’s pace has added edge, and Wiaan Mulder has chipped in with bat and ball. They did not even miss Prenelan Subrayen, who was reported for a suspect action and was out of the series, which had reduced their spin options. Still, the balance of this side has been impressive. What about Australia? Where are they struggling? The problems have been plenty. In both games, their top order collapsed. In Cairns, Mitchell Marsh’s 88 was the only real resistance, while in Mackay, Josh Inglis fought with a fine 87, but had no support. Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green have all looked shaky, and the middle order has fallen apart too easily. Their bowling has had moments, where Adam Zampa picked wickets, Xavier Bartlett showed promise, but the attack hasn’t been able to contain or strike consistently. Australia have now lost seven of their last eight ODIs, and though this period has seen them rest senior players, the lack of direction is clear. For the final ODI, they need partnerships with the bat and discipline with the ball if they want to avoid another series whitewash. So what can we expect in Mackay in the 3rd and final ODI? The pitch at Great Barrier Reef Arena has given runs but also assisted bowlers with bounce and turn, as Ngidi showed. If Australia’s batters don’t adapt, South Africa could dominate again. But if Marsh, Head, or Inglis can hold things together, Australia have a chance to hit back. South Africa have the upper hand, but dead rubbers can surprise. The bigger question is - can Australia finally break South Africa’s hold in this format, or will the visitors complete a clean sweep and strengthen their run-up to the 2027 World Cup? Let’s find out soon.