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South Africa and Australia will lock horns in the third and final ODI of the series at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 30. The Proteas have already sealed the series with victories in the first two matches, winning the opening ODI by 67 runs before securing a 32-run victory in Johannesburg. With the series decided, both teams will look to finish the ODI leg strongly.
The first two matches have produced several standout batting performances. Matthew Breetzke struck a century in Durban, while Temba Bavuma and David Miller both scored hundreds in Johannesburg. Australia, meanwhile, have been led by their explosive opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who both made 84 in the second ODI.
Here are top 3 batters to watch out for in 3rd ODI:
David Miller will be one of the biggest attractions heading into the series finale after producing a breathtaking performance in the second ODI.
The left-hander smashed a career-best 142 off just 93 balls at the Wanderers, powering South Africa to a mammoth 365/9. Miller walked in when the hosts needed stability after the early wickets and combined with Temba Bavuma to completely change the complexion of the innings. The pair added 156 runs for the fifth wicket, with Miller eventually shifting gears spectacularly.
Miller’s innings contained 12 fours and nine sixes, underlining his ability to take an ODI attack apart once he gets set. His knock was particularly important because Australia had made an excellent start with the ball, with Josh Hazlewood removing Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock early.
The third ODI gives Miller another opportunity to continue his excellent series. He managed only nine runs in the opening game, but his massive century in Johannesburg has taken his confidence and momentum into the final match.
Australia will need a clear plan against him, especially during the middle and death overs. If Miller remains at the crease deep into the innings, he can once again transform a competitive total into a daunting one.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been among his team’s most dangerous batters throughout the series.
Marsh produced an aggressive 84 off 53 balls in the second ODI, leading Australia’s chase alongside Travis Head. The pair added 130 runs for the opening wicket in just 17 overs and gave Australia an excellent platform while chasing 366. Marsh attacked from the outset, putting pressure on the South African bowlers during the powerplay.
However, South Africa eventually fought their way back into the contest. Bjorn Fortuin dismissed Marsh for 84, and the visitors subsequently struggled against the Proteas’ spin options.
That middle-overs phase has been a recurring issue for Australia in the first two matches. Marsh will therefore be crucial not only for providing another rapid start but also for converting it into a bigger score.
The Australian skipper has the ability to change the momentum of an ODI within a handful of overs. His power against pace and willingness to attack spin make him a major threat at the top of the order.
With Australia aiming to avoid a 3-0 series defeat, Marsh’s performance could set the tone for the visitors. Another substantial contribution would give Australia a strong platform to challenge South Africa.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has quietly been one of the most consistent batters in the series and produced another outstanding ODI hundred in Johannesburg.
Bavuma scored 103 off 116 deliveries in the second match, anchoring the Proteas’ innings after Australia made early breakthroughs. He initially rebuilt the innings with Matthew Breetzke before forming the decisive partnership with Miller.
His innings was very different from Miller’s explosive knock. Bavuma focused on rotating the strike, building partnerships and ensuring South Africa had a batter capable of batting deep into the innings. That combination of stability and calculated acceleration allowed Miller to play with greater freedom at the other end.
Bavuma’s century was his sixth in ODI cricket and came at an important stage of South Africa’s campaign. The captain had also contributed in the opening ODI before being dismissed for 30 against Adam Zampa.
The Potchefstroom match could provide Bavuma with another opportunity to strengthen his recent run of form. With the Proteas already having secured the series, he may also be keen to lead from the front and finish the campaign with another significant contribution.
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