Cricket fans have witnessed some audacious and sensational cricket between South Africa & Australia in recently-concluded ODI and T20 series 2025 (Australia). Taking into account, In all three ODI’s batting first team prevailed. Although, South Africa had already secured the series by winning first two ODI’s and were all set for a 3-0 whitewash, but Australia’s World-beater instinct took charge and we all know what they are capable doing to oppositions, specially when they are on their absolute best.
In third ODI, Australia pulled off a prodigious victory and gave South Africa an unforgettable thrashing by a margin of 276 runs, their biggest ever ODI defeat (by runs).
After the end of first innings, Aussies posted a massive 431/2 in 3rd ODI. Travis Head 142(103), Mitchell Marsh 100(106) and Cameron Green 118*(55) all three struck magnificent centuries and Alex Carey scored 50*(37), we immediately started getting vibes of the famous high scoring thriller between the same opponents in 2006 Johannesburg in which Aussies gave South Africa a target of 434/4 and in reply Proteas completed an epic and greatest ever ODI chase of 438/9. However, this (3rd) match also a dead rubber, proved to be a complete Aussie rampage and cold-blooded domination, Saffas were bundled for 155 all out.
Slow left arm young orthodox spinner, Cooper Connolly was the best bowler with bowling figures of 5/22 in 6 overs and economy of 3.66, Xavier Bartlett & Sean Abbott both bowled beautifully, extracting swing, taking 2 wickets each. Whereas, Leg-spinner Zampa managed just 1 wicket. T
his hefty defeat rather spoiled the party for the Proteas, because they had bossed Aussies in the first two ODI’s of the series. In 1st ODI South Africa batted first and scored 296/8 and in reply Aussies were bowled out for 198, South Africa won by 98 runs. In 2nd ODI South Africa again opted to bat first and gave Australia a target of 278 still Australia was again booked for a modest 193, South Africa won by 84 runs and sealed the Series.
Even though Proteas lost the closely fought T20 series; Interestingly, in the T20 series decider they had the upper hand at one stage of the match sending 6 Aussies batsmen to Pavilion and Aussies were 126/6 in 14.3 overs, Maxwell was playing with the tail exposed, but from there onwards Proteas were themselves to blame only, they could not seize decisive moments. Eventually, Glen Maxwell turned into the movie character “Mad Max” and was unstoppable, his brilliance stole the show.
Nevertheless, Proteas are on a roll, first reaching finals of 2024 T20 World Cup against India finishing as runners-up, then taking the honors in 2025 World Test-Championship by conquering mighty Aussies and now defeating them again in a 3 match ODI series.
This shows South African cricket is on an upward curve and gradually erasing the chokers tag often associated with them. There are some exciting times ahead with special talents like Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickleton, Tristan Stubbs and the eye catching T20 find, a powerful 19 Years old left handed batsman and wicket keeper Lhuan-dre Pretorius. South African spin pack is also getting stronger with Prenelan Subrayen, Senuran Muthusamy along with seasoned campaigners like Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi (Shamsi did not play this series). Lungi Ngidi’s slow off-spin variety is a treat to watch, he is a much improved fast bowler overall, as observed in 2nd ODI of the series taking five wicket haul.
From Australia’s perspective, In 3rd ODI Cameron Green’s flamboyant knock of 118*(55) was a wrecker at a stunning strike rate of 215.44. Cameron Green has really demonstrated his talent of being a complete package. The tall and powerful all rounder has strengthened his chances to be a permanent member of the team in all three formats of the game and inevitably on his way to become a future Great.
Josh Inglis’s 87(74) in 2nd ODI was a knock of class in losing cause though, his shot selection was sublime and his pull shots with authority, precision and control were eye pleasing. Not to forget, Tim David in T20’s, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short and possible future return of match winners like Cummins and Starc, we are surely looking forward to see some electrifying cricket from Aussies.
Likewise, the return of injured premium fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will make South Africa a more potent side. Both teams have displayed flair by playing quality and fearless cricket in ODI’s and T20’s with Aussies clinching T20 series and Proteas bagging ODI series. Even so, this was South Africa’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win against Australia and Keshav Maharaj was the player of the series.
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