The visitors have already sealed the series with a 2-0 unassailable lead after comprehensive wins. The last match is no longer about the series result but about intent and statement.
For South Africa, a clean sweep in Australia will be a massive achievement and testament to their growing dominance in white-ball cricket. For Mitchell Marsh’s Australia, it is a chance to restore some pride, fix some holes, and avoid the unwanted tag of a home whitewash.
Australia, the hosts, have struggled with both bat and ball. In the first ODI, they crumbled chasing and folded cheaply against spin, while in the second match, lapses in both application and consistency saw them lose by a hefty margin of 84 runs. However, there have been a few positives, including Travis Head’s aggressive starts and Marnus Labuschagne’s ability to build an innings, but the lack of collective contribution has haunted them.
South Africa, on the other hand, enter the last match with confidence. They have outperformed Australia in every department so far. Their batting has been steady, with Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, and Quinton de Kock all making important contributions. The bowlers, especially Keshav Maharaj, have consistently dismantled Australia’s batting order. Adding to the visitors’ strength is the expected return of Temba Bavuma, who missed the second ODI due to workload management.
Aus vs SA 3rd ODI: playing 11s (predicted)Australia playing 11 :Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa playing 11: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Australia vs South Africa: Head-to-Head in ODIsTotal matches played: 112Australia won: 51South Africa won: 57No result: 1