Australia Secures Victory Over South Africa in Rain-Shortened ODI

In a thrilling third ODI, Australia defeated South Africa by 45 runs using the DLS method, denying the hosts a series sweep. Despite rain interruptions, standout performances from Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh helped Australia post a competitive total. South Africa's chase was hindered by early wickets and rain, leading to an early conclusion. With the ODI series already won by South Africa, both teams now prepare for the upcoming Test series, with Australia gaining confidence from their batting improvements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 07:26 IST

Australia Triumphs in Third ODI Against South Africa

In a rain-affected third ODI held in Potchefstroom, Australia emerged victorious over South Africa by 45 runs using the DLS method. This win prevented South Africa from achieving a clean sweep in the series.

South Africa was chasing a target of 323 runs and had reached 145 for four in 28 overs when rain halted play. Ryan Rickelton was the top scorer for the hosts, remaining not out at 71 runs off 81 balls, but they were falling behind the required run rate at the time of the match's suspension.

Highlights of Australia's Batting Performance

Australia's innings concluded at 322 for nine, with notable contributions from wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who scored 74, and captain Mitchell Marsh, who added 56 runs. Corbin Bosch was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking four wickets for 60 runs. Although the outcome did not alter the series result, Australia gained confidence from their improved batting performance ahead of upcoming Test matches.

Marsh and Carey Shine with Half-Centuries

Marsh set the tone for Australia after they chose to bat first, aggressively targeting South Africa's pace attack. He struck seven fours and a six during his quickfire 56 off 42 balls. Travis Head contributed 24 runs before being dismissed by Bosch, but Marsh continued to press on until he was dismissed lbw by Bjorn Fortuin in the 14th over.

Carey then took charge after Australia slipped to 118 for three in 17 overs. After a lengthy wait for an ODI fifty, he settled in and accelerated through the middle overs, forming a 73-run partnership with Oliver Peake, who scored 48 before being caught. Carey reached his half-century off 68 balls and was eventually out for 74 in the 46th over, caught off Bosch's bowling.

South Africa's Chase Disrupted

South Africa's innings got off to a rocky start as Xavier Bartlett took two wickets in his opening spell. Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck, and Aiden Markram followed shortly after, falling lbw for 15.

Rickelton, however, kept the chase alive, attacking the Australian spinners and reaching his half-century off 48 balls. His unbeaten 71 came from 81 deliveries.

Zampa's Impact Before Rain Halts Play

Adam Zampa played a crucial role in the middle overs, taking key wickets. After two unsuccessful reviews against Rickelton, he managed to dismiss Matthew Breetzke for 25 with a legbreak that led to a stumping. Zampa then trapped Tristan Stubbs lbw for 14 with a googly.

At 125 for four, South Africa needed a strong partnership to stay in the game. However, rain interrupted the match with South Africa at 145 for four after 28 overs, leading to an early finish. Zampa concluded with figures of two for 34 in six overs, while Bartlett had two for 25.

Looking Ahead to the Test Series

With the ODI series already secured by South Africa, both teams will now shift their focus to the upcoming Test series. Australia will take confidence from their more cohesive batting display despite the series outcome.