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South Africa will look to build on their impressive start to the ODI series when they face Australia in the second match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27. The Proteas currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after registering a 67-run victory in the opening ODI at Kingsmead, Durban.
Matthew Breetzke’s 112 off 106 balls helped South Africa post 297/8 before their bowling attack dismissed Australia for 230 in 41.2 overs. Marco Jansen was another major contributor, scoring 75 off 59 deliveries and later taking a wicket.
The Proteas could retain the same combination for the second ODI, although Aiden Markram is now available after missing the series opener for personal reasons. South Africa’s squad also includes Tristan Stubbs, Kwena Maphaka, Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena, giving the team several alternatives.
Here is the predicted playing XI of South Africa for the second ODI against Australia:
Quinton de Kock is expected to continue opening the innings and keeping wickets. The veteran left-hander made 14 in the first ODI before being dismissed by Nathan Ellis.
His experience at the top remains valuable, particularly at the Wanderers, where the new ball could offer opportunities for aggressive strokeplay. De Kock will be looking to provide South Africa with a stronger start in the second game.
Tony de Zorzi should retain his place alongside de Kock. The left-hander made a contribution in the opening game and will be expected to complement de Kock during the powerplay.
His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries through the off side could be important against Australia’s pace attack.
Captain Temba Bavuma is expected to continue at No. 3. He brings stability to South Africa’s top order and will again be responsible for coordinating the batting unit.
Bavuma’s leadership will also be important as the Proteas attempt to convert their 1-0 lead into a series victory.
Matthew Breetzke enters the second ODI after a superb hundred in Durban. He scored 112 off 106 balls, anchoring South Africa’s innings while also accelerating when required.
His innings was particularly important because South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals. Another substantial contribution from Breetzke would strengthen the middle order considerably.
Ryan Rickelton is likely to continue at No. 5. The left-handed batter provides another technically sound option in the middle order and can also take responsibility behind the stumps if required.
With de Kock occupying the wicketkeeping role, Rickelton’s primary focus will be on converting starts into a substantial score.
David Miller should retain his place as the experienced finisher. The left-hander scored nine runs in the opening ODI before Nathan Ellis removed him.
Miller remains capable of changing the complexion of an innings during the final 10-15 overs. South Africa will expect him to provide greater impact at the Wanderers.
Marco Jansen was one of the standout performers in the first ODI. He smashed 75 from 59 balls and then claimed a wicket with the ball. His extraordinary one-handed catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh also played a key role in South Africa’s victory.
Jansen’s all-round ability makes him an important part of the XI and gives South Africa additional depth with both bat and ball.
Corbin Bosch should continue as the second pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute overs while adding depth to the lower middle order provides captain Bavuma with another tactical option.
The Wanderers’ conditions could suit his pace, particularly if there is movement available early in the innings.
Gerald Coetzee is expected to retain his place after returning to ODI cricket in the opening game. The quick was recalled to the South African ODI setup after last featuring in the format at the 2023 World Cup.
His pace gives South Africa an attacking option and allows Bavuma to rotate his fast bowlers throughout the innings.
Bjorn Fortuin could once again feature as South Africa’s left-arm spin option. He played an important role in the opening ODI, particularly during Australia’s chase.
His ability to bowl economically through the middle overs will be important against Australia’s left- and right-handed batting combinations.
Keshav Maharaj completes the predicted XI. The experienced spinner was outstanding in Durban, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs as Australia collapsed during the chase.
Maharaj’s control and ability to extract turn make him one of South Africa’s key weapons, especially if Australia again struggle against spin.
Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj
Note: This is a predicted XI based on the latest squad information and the combination used in the first ODI. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
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