Temba Bavuma and David Miller both score centuries as South Africa beat Australia by 32 runs to clinch the ODI series.
The Proteas (2.00) beat Australia by 32 runs in the second one-day international in Johannesburg on Sunday. Temba Bavuma and David Miller both hit centuries as the Proteas claimed the three-match series with a game to spare.
A Shaky Start Turned Around
Australia (1.80) sent South Africa in to bat, and the hosts lost Aiden Markram to the first ball. Cooper Connolly took a superb one-handed catch above his head off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling. Quinton de Kock followed for 15, leaving South Africa in early trouble.
Bavuma and Miller then rebuilt the innings with a 156-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bavuma scored 103 from 116 balls for his sixth ODI century. Conditions were tricky up front, but the captain settled and scored all around the wicket.
Miller Goes Big
Miller played the more explosive innings, smashing nine sixes in his 142 from 93 balls. It marked a career-best score and his eighth ODI century. He reached his hundred from just 73 deliveries and cleared the ropes with ease.
Matthew Breetzke added 34 from 28 balls before the Jansen twins finished the innings. Duan Jansen ended unbeaten on 27 as South Africa reached 365-9. Jack Edwards, playing only his second ODI, took 5-67 in his 10 overs. Australia also lost Nathan Ellis to a side strain after just four overs.
Australia’s Fast Start Fades
Australia’s chase started at a blistering pace, mirroring their approach in the first match. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head shared a 130-run opening partnership in 17 overs. Both openers scored 84, Marsh from 53 balls and Head from 76.
Markram then dismissed Head lbw, and the momentum shifted quickly. Keshav Maharaj removed Alex Carey and Matt Renshaw, both lbw. Bjorn Fortuin also took two wickets as South Africa’s three spinners tightened the screw. Australia scored just 35 runs between overs 30 and 40 on an excellent batting surface.
A Dominant Record Continues
Xavier Bartlett kept Australia in contention with a rapid half-century from 28 deliveries. A Lizaad Williams yorker pinned him lbw, leaving 44 required from the last 14 balls. Australia were bowled out for 333 in 49.5 overs, 32 runs short. The win was South Africa’s 19th in their last 25 ODIs against Australia.
“It was another really good all-round team performance,” Bavuma said. “David played an unbelievable innings and then the bowlers did their job.”
Australia captain Mitch Marsh admitted his side had been outplayed: “We certainly don’t want to be whitewashed,” Marsh said.
The final match takes place in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, with a three-Test series beginning in Durban on 9 October.
