Australia beat South Africa by 45 runs on DLS in third ODI to avoid sweep

Solid start anchors Australian total

Australia built a solid foundation after South African stand-in captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to field at JB Marks Oval. Play was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain before the tourists produced a rapid opening stand. Mitchell Marsh led the batting effort with 56 runs off 42 balls, recording his third consecutive half-century of the tour after earlier totals of 60 in Durban and 84 in Johannesburg. Marsh teamed with Travis Head, who contributed 24 from 20 deliveries, to post an opening partnership of 78 runs in 53 balls at a rate of nearly nine runs per over.

The momentum slowed when left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin trapped Marsh lbw, followed by Gerald Coetzee bowling Cooper Connolly for 23 with a yorker. Alex Carey and 20-year-old Oliver Peake then stabilized the innings with a 73-run partnership from 88 deliveries. Carey anchored the middle order, top-scoring for Australia with 74 runs off 88 balls, while Peake added 48 before falling short of a half-century. Australia concluded their 50 overs with a total of 322-9, presenting South Africa with the prospect of what would have been the highest successful one-day run chase at the Potchefstroom venue.

Early wickets and rain curtail chase

South Africa's pursuit struggled against disciplined seam and spin bowling. Tony de Zorzi injured his hamstring while fielding during Australia's innings, ruling him out from batting and leaving the hosts with a shortened line-up. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett struck early in the ten-over powerplay, removing openers Quinton de Kock and Markram to finish with figures of 2-25 from five overs. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa contained the middle overs, taking 2-34 in six overs. Only Ryan Rickelton mounted substantial resistance, batting to an unbeaten 71 off 81 balls as South Africa reached 145-4 in 28 overs. Rain halted play under lights, and with South Africa 46 runs behind the revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 191, officials called off the match to confirm a 45-run win for Australia.

Squad rotations and Test preparations

The result prevented a clean sweep for South Africa, who secured the series 2-1 following earlier victories by 67 runs in Durban and 32 runs in Johannesburg. South Africa made four changes for the final fixture, resting regular captain Temba Bavuma, batsman David Miller, all-rounder Marco Jansen, and player of the series Keshav Maharaj. Australia welcomed back test captain Pat Cummins for his first one-day international in 22 months, alongside Mitchell Starc. Cummins conceded 17 runs without taking a wicket in his five overs. Following the trophy presentation, Marsh evaluated the team's batting progression.

I thought the batting in particular showed some real improvement, especially from a few of our young guys. It was a disappointing series but nice to finish with a win.

Marsh also addressed the broader developmental goals for the squad ahead of future international fixtures in the region, pointing toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

It's gradual improvement. We have some guys that haven't a lot of experience at this level and in particular playing in South Africa against a team that plays very well at home.

Both sides now prepare to contest a three-match Test series, scheduled to begin in Durban on 9 October.