South Africa v Australia 3rd ODI Tips, Predictions and Preview

Riding on a patient century from Janneman Malan playing his debut ODI series, South Africa defeated Australia by six wickets in the second ODI in Bloemfontein to seal the series.

The Proteas take an unassailable 2-0 lead into the third match at Potchefstroom, with the venue hosting its first ODI in nearly five years.

While the hosts will be looking to mark their second-ever whitewash over Australia, the visitors will hope to avoid their first series whitewash since against England in 2018.

Prediction

Match Preview

The Proteas made sure that Quinton de Kock’s poor form (15 runs, SR 83.33) hasn’t impacted their series performance. Heinrich Klaasen has scored back-to-back 50+ scores, while Janneman Malan has shown his class in the second ODI with a match-winning 100.

With the ball, it has been the exceptional Lungi Ngidi (nine wickets, ER 4.88) leading the show. With career-best figures picked up in the second ODI, he will look for more impact in the third match. And, so will Anrich Nortje (four wickets), who is slowly warming up in the series.

While the first match had Australia battling run-by-run with South Africa, the second ODI was a comprehensive mismatch. The improved performances from the middle-order is a comfort factor, although the top-three have failed to pick consistent runs.

With the ball, Mitchell Starc (three wickets, ER 5.74) wasn’t at his menacing best, while Adam Zampa (two wickets, ER 4.80) has struggled to be among the wickets. Unless they improve fast, Australia run the risk of getting whitewashed.

Match Up

South Africa overcame their second-match jinx emphatically to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. As the action winds down in Potchefstroom, they have an excellent chance to end the home summer on a high. With key players performing and a number of different players stepping up, South Africa retain the edge. For Australia, it is a matter of playing for pride, as they look to end their lean record against the Proteas. The ineffectiveness of the bowling attack is a cause for concern, as Aaron Finch looks to mastermind his side to a consolation win.

History & Statistics

• South Africa have won 9 of their last 10 completed home ODIs.
• South Africa have won 6 of their last 7 ODIs at this venue, although losing the latest.
• The chasing side has won 8 of the last 10 ODIs including the last four, at this venue.
• Australia have lost 13 of their last 18 overseas ODIs (not including the neutral venues).
• Australia have lost their last seven H2H ODIs in South Africa and have lost 10 of their last ten H2H matches.

Key Players

Heinrich Klaasen has been in glorious form for South Africa and has the chance of ending the series with three 50+ scores.

Marnus Labuschagne has found the going tough in the series with scores of 41 and 0. Will he rediscover his best form?