Australia vs South Africa: Key Insights for the 3rd ODI at Mackay

Australia is set to clash with South Africa in the third ODI at Mackay, aiming to avoid a clean sweep after two defeats. With the return of captain Temba Bavuma, South Africa looks to solidify its dominance. The pitch conditions favor batting early on, but chasing runs may become difficult as the game progresses. Winning the toss could be crucial, with captains likely to opt for batting first to set a challenging target. Explore the key insights and strategies for this exciting match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 09:08 IST

Match Preview

On Sunday at 10 am IST, Australia will face South Africa in the third ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. With the series already secured by South Africa, the Australian team, led by Mitchell Marsh, aims to prevent a clean sweep, while the visitors are eager to assert their dominance with another strong performance.

Australia's Bowling Challenges

The decision to rest senior players Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has not yielded the desired results for Australia, as their inexperienced bowling lineup has struggled against the Proteas. Australia faced a 98-run defeat in the first ODI and suffered another significant loss by 84 runs in the second match.

South Africa's Strengthened Lineup

South Africa will benefit from the return of captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed significantly with a resilient half-century in the first match. With both their batting and bowling units performing well, the visitors are eyeing a 3-0 series victory against the five-time world champions.

Pitch Conditions at Mackay

The pitch at Mackay has favored batsmen in the first innings, allowing them to play freely. In past encounters, South Africa managed to score 277 runs despite an early collapse, indicating that runs can be scored if batters apply themselves. However, chasing runs has proven challenging as the pitch tends to slow down in the latter stages of the game, complicating scoring opportunities.

Toss Strategy Insights

Winning the toss could be pivotal in this match. Captains may prefer to bat first to take advantage of the favorable conditions. A target of 270-290 runs is likely to be tough for the chasing team. Fast bowlers are expected to find movement with the new ball, while spinners may become more effective as the pitch wears down, making it crucial to control the game early on.