
An unstoppable South Africa is on the verge of a historic clean sweep against Australia in the ODI series! The Proteas, already leading 2-0, have dominated with commanding performances from players like Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi. Australia, wounded but not out, are fighting to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash in the final match. This is more than just a game; it's a battle for dominance between two cricketing giants.
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object! That's the perfect description for the upcoming third and final ODI between a dominant South Africa and a wounded Australia. The Proteas have already sealed the series with a commanding 2-0 lead, and they are now looking for a historic clean sweep on Australian soil. This victory is more than just a series win; it's the fifth consecutive ODI series triumph for South Africa over their arch-rivals, a testament to their recent dominance in this format.
The series so far has been a masterclass from the visitors. In the first ODI, South Africa's batting was led by a magnificent 82 from Aiden Markram and a solid 65 from captain Temba Bavuma, setting up a 98-run win. The star of that match, however, was spinner Keshav Maharaj, who bamboozled the Australian lineup with a five-wicket haul. The second ODI saw Matthew Breetzke (88) and Tristan Stubbs (74) take center stage with the bat. At the same time, the fiery Lungi Ngidi ripped through the Australian order with a brilliant five-wicket haul of his own, ensuring an 84-run victory.
For Australia, the series has been a wake-up call. Their batting has struggled to find rhythm, with only a few standout performances. Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has been the lone warrior, scoring a valiant 87 in the second ODI. At the same time, Adam Zampa has been the most effective bowler, picking up key wickets in both matches. With the series already decided, this final game at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is a chance for Australia to salvage some pride and stop the South African juggernaut from achieving a clean sweep. Don't miss this epic conclusion.
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 57 wins compared to Australia's 51 from a total of 112 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: 112
Australia Wins: 51
South Africa Wins: 57
No Result/Abandoned Matches: 4
Despite South Africa the firepower of Matthew Breetzke, 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.
AUS: L L W L W
SA: W W W L W
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.
Match: AUS vs SA 3rd ODI Match South Africa Tour of Australia 2025
Date: 24 August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Stadium: Great Barrier Reef Arena
Location: Mackay
The 3rd ODI match between Australia vs South Africa, will be played on 24 August at 10:00 AM in Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay . The Great Barrier Reef Arena hosted a total of4 ODI matches, 2 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 | 2 |
| 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.
Matthew Breetzke (Top-order batter): As the consistance 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:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI Match Fantasy Team:
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis
Batsman: Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis
All-rounders: Aden Markram, Wiaan Mulder
Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger
Australia vs South Africa Fantasy Team for Today Match:
Australia vs South Africa Fantasy Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
Choice 1: Wiaan Mulder (C), Dewald Brevis (VC)
Choice 2: Temba Bavuma (C), Ben Dwarshuis (VC)
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
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