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South Africa and Australia will meet in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27. The Proteas head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after securing a 67-run victory in the series opener at Kingsmead, Durban.
South Africa produced a strong all-round performance in the opening game. Matthew Breetzke smashed 112 off 106 balls, while Marco Jansen’s explosive 75 helped the hosts post 297/8. Australia began their chase aggressively through Mitchell Marsh but eventually collapsed to 230, with Keshav Maharaj taking 4/20 and Bjorn Fortuin claiming 2/34.
The second ODI could also see some major personnel changes. Pat Cummins is expected to return to Australia’s XI after sitting out the opener, while Aiden Markram is available for South Africa after missing the first game. Cummins had been rested from the Zimbabwe ODI series but was included specifically for the South Africa assignment.
Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in 2nd ODI between South Africa and Australia:
Matthew Breetzke versus Pat Cummins could be one of the most intriguing contests at the Wanderers.
Breetzke enters the second ODI in excellent form after producing his second ODI century in the series opener. The right-hander scored 112 from 106 deliveries, striking 14 fours and two sixes. His innings provided the foundation for South Africa’s competitive total after the hosts had slipped to 168/5.
Cummins, meanwhile, is expected to return to Australia’s attack after being rested in Durban. The Australian captain has played only a limited number of ODIs in recent years as the team has managed his workload, but he remains a key part of Australia’s plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The contest could be especially important during Breetzke’s first spell at the crease. Cummins’ ability to hit a hard length and extract bounce will test the South African batter, while Breetzke will look to use his aggressive strokeplay to disrupt Australia’s plans.
If Breetzke survives Cummins’ opening spell, South Africa could once again have a strong platform in the middle overs.
Mitchell Marsh and Keshav Maharaj produced one of the defining battles of the first ODI, and their contest could again become crucial in Johannesburg.
Marsh gave Australia a blistering start to their chase, smashing 60 off just 36 balls with five fours and six sixes. He put the South African bowlers under immediate pressure and appeared to have shifted the momentum Australia’s way. However, Maharaj eventually removed him, triggering a major collapse in the Australian innings.
Maharaj finished with outstanding figures of 4/20 from 9.2 overs. His control through the middle overs was instrumental in South Africa defending their total, particularly once Australia’s aggressive start had put the hosts under pressure.
The rematch at the Wanderers could therefore have major implications. Marsh will be eager to attack Maharaj rather than allow the left-arm spinner to dictate the tempo, while Maharaj will look to vary his pace and trajectory to force another mistake.
Given Marsh’s ability to change the game within a few overs, this could be one of Australia’s most important batting-versus-bowling matchups.
Temba Bavuma versus Mitchell Starc presents another fascinating contest, particularly during the opening overs.
Bavuma returned to ODI cricket as South Africa’s captain in the series opener after last playing in the format in December 2025. He scored 30 off 48 balls in Durban before being dismissed by Adam Zampa. His role is important not only as captain but also as an anchor around whom South Africa’s aggressive batters can build their innings.
Starc, meanwhile, remains one of Australia’s biggest new-ball threats. He returned to the ODI setup alongside Cummins after being rested during Australia’s 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe.
The left-arm quick bowled 10 overs for 60 runs without taking a wicket in the first ODI, but his ability to swing the new ball and attack the stumps makes him a constant threat.
Bavuma’s challenge will be to negotiate Starc’s pace and movement while ensuring that South Africa don’t lose early wickets. Starc, meanwhile, will look to exploit any movement available and put pressure on the Proteas captain before their dangerous middle order settles in.
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