Australia won the third and final one-day international against South Africa by 45 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a rain-affected match in Potchefstroom. Australia posted a total of 322 for nine, with Alex Carey top-scoring with 74 off 88 balls. The Proteas were struggling on 145 for four in 28 overs when rain ended play, leaving them well short of the revised target. This result meant South Africa claimed the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh praised his team's batting improvements, particularly from young players, after the win. He noted that the team's performance was a positive sign looking ahead to the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Marsh expressed disappointment with the series overall but was pleased to finish with a win. The team's batting showed significant improvement, with solid contributions down the order.
The match was marked by several key performances from Australian players. Marsh and Travis Head gave Australia a fast start, putting on 78 for the first wicket off 53 balls. Xavier Bartlett was excellent with the new ball, dismissing Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram inside the ten-over powerplay. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa took two for 33 in six overs, while Pat Cummins built up lively pace, conceding only 17 runs in five overs.
South Africa, having already won the series, rested key players in captain Temba Bavuma, batsman David Miller, and bowlers Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj. Ryan Rickelton was the last remaining specialist batsman after Tony de Zorzi injured a hamstring while fielding and was ruled out of the rest of the match. Rickelton was on 71 not out when rain ended play.
South Africa's series win was marked by significant performances from their players. Bavuma accepted the series trophy, saying South Africa had "definitely made strides" during the series. The decision to rest leading players was a combination of providing opportunities to other players and prioritizing a three-match Test series which starts in Durban on October 9.
The match was affected by rain, which ended South Africa's reply after 28 overs. The Proteas were well short of the required rate, and Australia's DLS method win was confirmed. Marsh expressed regret that the match had not gone the distance, given the competitive nature of the game.
The series win for South Africa and the final ODI win for Australia marked a significant moment for both teams. Australia's young players showed promising signs, while South Africa's resting of key players allowed others to gain experience. The 2027 Cricket World Cup is a key target for Australia, and Marsh's team will look to build on their improvements.
Key points
- - Australia won the third ODI by 45 runs via the DLS method. - Mitchell Marsh praised his team's batting improvements. - South Africa claimed the three-match ODI series 2-1.
