AUS vs SA 2nd ODI Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, and Pitch Report South Africa Tour of Australia 2025

Following a crushing 98-run defeat in the first ODI, Australia faces a must-win situation against South Africa in the second match. With their T20I series win now a distant memory, Australia's batting lineup needs to recover from being dismantled by South Africa's bowlers, including a brilliant five-wicket haul from Keshav Maharaj. With star batters Aiden Markram (82), Temba Bavuma (65), and Matthew Breetzke (57) in form, South Africa holds a clear advantage, but Australia is desperate to stay alive in the series.

Australia vs South Africa: A High-Stakes Battle for Survival

The fierce rivalry between Australia and South Africa is once again on display, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Fresh off a thrilling 2-1 victory in the T20I series, Australia entered the One Day International leg of the tour with high hopes. However, the tables have turned dramatically. The Proteas delivered a stunning blow in the first ODI, routing the Australians by a massive 98-run margin and seizing a dominant 1-0 lead in the series.

That crushing defeat has put Australia in a precarious position. The world champions now find themselves with their backs against the wall, needing a victory in this second match to keep the series alive and force a decider. Their batting lineup, which struggled to cope with South Africa's formidable bowling attack, will be looking for a complete turnaround. The Proteas' first-match dominance was fueled by brilliant performances, including half-centuries from Aiden Markram (82), Temba Bavuma (65), and Matthew Breetzke (57). At the same time, Keshav Maharaj's five-wicket haul was a decisive blow that dismantled the Australian innings.

South Africa, on the other hand, is riding a wave of confidence. Their comprehensive win in the series opener showcased a team in sublime form, with both their batters and bowlers clicking into high gear. They will be keen to press their advantage and seal a series victory with a match to spare. A win for them would not only be a testament to their strength but also a sweet revenge for the T20I series loss.

This upcoming match is more than just a game; it's a battle for redemption and dominance. Will Australia's star players find their rhythm and fight back to level the series? Or will South Africa continue their winning momentum and claim an unassailable lead? The stage is set for an electrifying contest that no cricket fan can afford to miss.

Head-to-Head: AUS vs SA - Who Holds the Advantage?

The head-to-head record between Australia and South Africa in ODIs is remarkably close, with South Africa holding a slight edge with 56 wins compared to Australia's 51 from a total of 110 matches, including three ties. This historical data highlights the intense rivalry and competitive nature of the two teams. While the overall ODI record favours the Proteas, the most recent T20I series, which Australia won 2-1, shows that both teams are currently in top form and capable of defeating each other. This sets the stage for a compelling ODI series where either side could come out on top.

Total Matches Played: 111

Australia Wins: 51

South Africa Wins: 56

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 4

Despite South Africa the firepower of Temba Bavuma(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, and Tristan Stubbs, Australia' all-around strength and explosive players Cameron Green, and Cooper Connolly, give them the upper hand in this head-to-head contest. However, it’s always been a close battle.

Recent Forms of Australia and South Africa:

AUS: L W L W L 

SA: W W L W L

Predictions: Who Will Win the Match?

As far as fantasy cricket is concerned, Australia might have the edge with their explosive batting lineup led by Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey, but South Africa's balanced squad and the presence of all-rounders like Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram  make them a formidable opponent. Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns, with its high-scoring potential, might slightly favor the batting-heavy teams, so expect a run-fest.

Injury Update:
Currently no injury concerns from both sides.

Australia vs South Africa Match Date, Time, & Venue:   

Match: AUS vs SA 2nd ODI Match South Africa Tour of Australia 2025

Date: 22 August 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Stadium: Great Barrier Reef Arena

Location: Mackay 

Australia vs South Africa Match Pitch Report:

The 2nd ODI match between Australia vs South Africa, will be played on 22 August at 10:00 AM in Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay . The Great Barrier Reef Arena hosted a total of 3 ODI matches, 1 matches won batting first and 2 matches won batting 2nd and 0 matches with no result. Based on reports, the pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is expected to be good for batting, with a par score likely to be around 280-290. The venue is hosting a men's ODI for the first time since 1992, but recent women's ODI matches suggest that the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, as all three matches in 2021 were won by the chasing side.

T20I Stats	Value
Total Matches	3
Batting First Won	1
Bowling First Won	2
1st Innings Average Score	265
2nd Innings Average Score	231
Highest Total	287/5 by AUSW vs NZW
Lowest Total	82/10 by NZW vs AUSW
Highest Chased	233/8 by AUSW vs NZW
Lowest Defended	267/5 by AUSW vs NZW

Australia's Key players:

Travis Head (Opener): One of Australia's most dynamic and aggressive top-order batters, known for his ability to take the game forward from the start. A great performer in both home and away conditions.

Mitchell Marsh (captain & All-rounder): As the captain and a match-winner with both bat and ball, Marsh's leadership and aggressive batting make him crucial in both ODIs and T20S. His bowling adds value with his medium pace.

Cameron Green (All-rounder): A powerful batter who can anchor innings or accelerate in the middle, along with his reliable medium-fast bowling. Green is a key all-rounder for Australia, providing balance to the side.

Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper-batter): A consistent performer in ODIs, Inglis has proven himself as a reliable middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate. His wicketkeeping skills are top-notch, adding further balance to the team.

Josh Hazlewood (Pace Bowler): One of the most consistent and deadly bowlers in ODI cricket. Hazlewood's ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs makes him a key player in any format.

Adam Zampa (Spinner): A match-winning spinner with excellent control in the middle overs. Zampa's ability to break partnerships and control the run rate is vital in ODIs, mainly on Australian wickets.

South Africa's Key players:

Temba Bavuma (Captain & Top-order batter): As the captain and a reliable top-order batter, Bavuma's stability and leadership are crucial for the South African team. He plays anchor roles and is key to setting a solid foundation at the top.

Ryan Rickelton (Wicketkeeper batter): A promising young talent with good technical skills. Rickelton is a solid middle-order batter who can play the role of both stabiliser and aggressor, depending on match situations.

Aiden Markram (All-rounder): Markram's ability with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset in the middle order. He can accelerate the innings and is a handy spin option in the middle overs.

Dewald Brevis (Middle-order batter): Known for his aggressive batting, Brevis could provide fireworks in the middle or lower order, but he's still a developing player.

Lungi Ngidi (Pace bowler): One of the leading fast bowlers, Ngidi brings pace, bounce, and aggression to the South African attack. He's capable of making early breakthroughs and bowling in key moments.

keshav Maharaj (Spinner): Maharaj's left-arm spin is effective in the middle overs. He can build pressure and take wickets, particularly when conditions favour spin.

Possible Playing 11 for Australia:
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Possible Playing 11 for South Africa:

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 2nd ODI Match Fantasy Team:   

Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Ryan Rickelton

Batsman: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Temba Bavuma

All-rounders: Aden Markram, Wiaan Mulder

Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

Australia vs South Africa Fantasy Team for Today Match:

Australia vs South Africa Fantasy Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:    

Choice 1: Aden Markram (C), Travis Head (VC)

Choice 2: Temba Bavuma (C), Ben Dwarshuis (VC)

AUS vs SA Fantasy 11 Prediction Backups:

Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj

Disclaimer:  

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision. 

Also Read: Asia Cup Winners List from 1984 to 2025