South Africa go into the third and final ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom this afternoon with the series already won. Play starts at 13:30 SAST in a day-night match, and the Proteas have a clean sweep to play for. Australia have pride to restore. The weather may have the final say.
How South Africa got to 2-0
The Proteas won the first ODI at Kingsmead by 67 runs, posting 297/8 and bowling Australia out for 230. Matthew Breetzke made a century, and Keshav Maharaj took 4/20 to squeeze the middle overs.
The second ODI at the Wanderers was closer. South Africa made 365/9, with a century from David Miller, and won by 32 runs to seal the series with a match to spare.
The pattern across both games has been spin. Maharaj has controlled the middle of the innings, and Australia have lost wickets in clusters when the ball has turned.
South Africa team news
With the series won, the selectors are expected to look at their depth. The name to watch is Nqobani Mokoena. The 20-year-old is in line for an ODI debut, and today would be a good day to see what he offers.
Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton could come back into the side, and preview reports suggest captain Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen may be rested. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are not part of this series.
Australia team news
Australia arrive short of two regulars. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis is out with a side strain, and Josh Inglis is unavailable. Pat Cummins is expected to return, which would be his first ODI since November 2024, and Mitchell Starc could come back into the attack.
Captain Mitchell Marsh has been the tourists’ best batter, passing 60 in both matches. Australia need more than one man to fire if they want to avoid a 3-0 defeat.
Players to watch
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa). Six wickets in the series so far, including 4/20 in the opener. If the pitch offers any grip, Australia’s middle order will have to find a way to score off him without giving him wickets.
David Miller (South Africa). His century at the Wanderers turned a good total into a winning one. He remains the man South Africa trust to finish an innings.
Matthew Breetzke (South Africa). A hundred in the first match continued a strong start to his ODI career. Another big score would make his place in the order hard to argue with.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia). Two scores above 60 in two games. If Australia are to post or chase a big total, the captain probably has to go big again.
Nqobani Mokoena (South Africa). If he plays, it is his first ODI. Debuts in a series that is already won come with less pressure, and that can bring out the best in a young player.
The ground and the weather
The last time these sides met in an ODI in Potchefstroom, in September 2023, South Africa made 338/6 and won by 111 runs. It is a ground that has suited the home side.
The bigger question is whether a full game is possible. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the area, with temperatures dropping sharply. A delayed start or a match reduced by the DLS method is a real possibility, so check for updates before you settle in.
What is at stake
For South Africa, a 3-0 win would be a strong statement heading into the Test series, which starts at Kingsmead on 9 October. For the fringe players, it is an audition. For Australia, it is about avoiding a whitewash and taking something from the tour before the Tests.
Key details
- Match: South Africa v Australia, third ODI (day-night)
- Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Start: 13:30 SAST
- Venue: Potchefstroom
- Series: South Africa lead 2-0
ScoreLine will have the full match report tonight.