Australia blew away South Africa to win the three-match T20I series 3-0 and carried the momentum into the five-match ODI series, emerging victorious in the first two games. The Proteas looked down and out heading into the third ODI, but a game-changing century from captain Aiden Markram turned the tide in their favour. It was as if the home team got a new lease on life, and a fighting spirit that was missing in the first five games took centre stage. They won the game by 111 runs after putting up 338 runs on the board.
If this win in Potchefstroom was dominating, the fourth ODI in Centurion was pure annihilation from Temba Bavuma’s men, who amassed 416 runs in 50 overs and bowled out Australia for 252. Heinrich Klaasen played one of the most remarkable innings in the history of ODI cricket, scoring an 83-ball 174. His partnership of 222 off 94 balls with David Miller (82* off 45 balls) will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for a very long time.
The fifth ODI takes place in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 17, with the series being intriguingly poised at 1-1. With the 50-over World Cup starting in less than three weeks, both teams would love to get a series win to boost their morale.
Pitch and conditions
Another run-fest is expected at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, as the bowlers will have to toil hard without much assistance from the deck. Earlier this year, South Africa scored 370/8 against the Netherlands. Aiden Markram registered his maiden ODI hundred in that game. Netherlands were bowled out for 224, but they scored their runs at 5.71 per over. Batting first and putting up a gigantic total on the board could be the ideal gameplan as it won’t be easy chasing a score in excess of 350.
Probable Playing XI For SA vs AUS
South Africa
Anrich Nortje and Temba Bavuma were ruled out of the fourth ODI with a lower back injury and an adductor strain, respectively. With the World Cup on the horizon, the Proteas would not want to take any risk with the two crucial players. In that case, they could stick to the same XI that played in the fourth ODI. However, Tabraiz Shamsi, who was rested for the fourth ODI, might come back in place of Gerald Coetzee.
Probable Playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia
Australian cricketers are renowned for their grit and determination. They should bounce back strongly from the drubbing in the fourth ODI. Travis Head, who unfortunately fractured his left hand after being hit by a short ball from Coetzee in the previous game, will miss out. Josh Inglis could come into the side in place of the southpaw.
Probable Playing XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
SA vs AUS Head-to-head:
Played – 107, South Africa – 53, Australia – 50, No Result – 1, Tied – 3
SA vs AUS Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
Match Timings: 1:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast: Star Sports
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar