The third ODI between South Africa and Australia takes place at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom on Wednesday and with a series win already assured the Proteas are aiming for a clean sweep.
This is a 3 match series and after this we have 3 test matches to look forward to with the first test at Kingsmead starting on 9th October. Let’s recap on the ODI’s so far.
The first ODI was staged at Kingsmead, Durban on Thursday and South Africa posted a bat first total of 297/8 (Breetzke 112, Jansen 75) which was 67 too many for Australia 230 who were all out for 230 (Marsh 60, Maharaj 4/20)
The second match was staged at The Wanderers on Saturday and South Africa (365/9) beat Australia (333) by 32 runs to go 2-0 up and claim a series win.
Australia have won the toss and opted to bowl in both of the first two matches and in Johannesburg on Saturday they found themselves chasing 366 for victory after finding Temba Bavuma (103) and Man of the Match David Miller (142) in top form. Jack Edwards with 5/67 was the pick of the Aussie bowlers and Miller hit 9 of the Proteas 15 maximums.
Openers Marsh and Head put on 130 for the first Australian wicket and both were out for 85. Wickets fell steadily after that and although Xavier Bartlett hit a 50 batting at No 8 they finished up all out for 333 with a ball to spare. Australia hit 12 maximums and Lizaad Wiliams returned the best bowling figures of 3/54.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Duan Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Head to Head
The teams have played 115 times with South Africa winning 59 to Australia’s 52 with 3 ties and 1 no result.
The Venue, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
The Proteas have won their last 3 ODI’s at this venue.
In March 2020 South Africa (258/4) beat Australia (254/7) by 6 wickets
In March 2023 South Africa (264/6) beat West Indies (260) by 4 wickets
In September 2023 South Africa (338/6) beat Australia (227) by 11 runs
Australia were last here for an ODI in September 2022 and South Africa (315/9) beat Australia (193) by 122 runs.
Weather Forecast - Potchefstroom
The Betting
South Africa are even money to win the match and Australia are favourites at 8/10
The total match sixes line is under / over 13.5
The total match fours line is under / over 47.5
Prices subject to change
The Verdict
I’ve had joy with going overs on sixes in the first two matches and I’m going to stay with Australia to hit 8 or more in their innings. Additional interest comes in the MoM market which mitch Marsh gets the vote for a small stake.
Bets: Australia match sixes over 7.5 at 23/20 with Lucky Fish
Man of the Match Mitch Marsh at 10/1 with Lucky Fish
Prices subject to change