Australia have prevented a series whitewash in South Africa, securing a 45-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the rain-affected third one-day international at Potchefstroom on Wednesday. The result leaves South Africa with a 2–1 series win, but provides Australia with a morale boost after capitulating in chases during the opening two matches.
Batting first under lights, Australia posted 322 for 9, with Adam Carey's return to international form proving instrumental alongside contributions from captain Mitch Marsh and 20-year-old prospect Ollie Peake. South Africa's chase was curtailed by persistent rain, which had already delayed the start by 30 minutes, leaving them stranded at 145 for 4 after 28 overs when the match was abandoned.
Carey's breakthrough innings
Wicketkeeper Adam Carey produced his most significant performance in nearly a year, striking 74 from 88 balls to reclaim his place in Australia's middle order. His innings marked his first international half-century across 17 ODI and Test matches since scoring a century during the Ashes series in Adelaide in December. Carey's partnership with Peake, who was recalled after Jack Edwards suffered a hamstring injury, yielded 73 runs from 88 deliveries and provided the stability Australia's batting lineup had lacked in earlier matches.
Peake impressed with an unbeaten 48 from 53 balls before falling to a brilliant diving catch by Bjorn Fortuin at point off Corbin Bosch's bowling. According to match reports, the young batter's 48 represented his highest score in international cricket, demonstrating his potential at the top level.
How did Australia's top order perform?
Marsh led from the front with a half-century, his third of the series, scoring 56 from 42 balls following earlier innings of 60 and 84 in Durban and Johannesburg. Opening the innings alongside Travis Head, Marsh established an aggressive 78-run partnership at a run rate of nine per over, with Head contributing 24 from 20 balls before departing. Cooper Connolly was dismissed for 23 by a Gerald Coetzee yorker, but Matt Renshaw steadied the innings with 30 from 29 balls, and every member of Australia's top seven passed 20, indicating a more balanced batting display than in previous encounters.
Cameron Green endured a difficult passage, struck by a fearsome beater from Bosch that struck him in the groin before he recovered to hit the next delivery, another full-toss, for six. He was then dismissed by a short ball and appeared to suffer a muscle injury, ruling him out of bowling duties and further depleting Australia's attack alongside the already-absent Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards.
What was South Africa's response?
South Africa's chase never gained momentum as Australia's bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa and Xavier Bartlett, maintained control throughout their 28-over innings. Zampa took 2 for 34 from six overs, rediscovering the form that had eluded him in recent matches, while Bartlett claimed 2 for 25 from five overs with two crucial early breakthroughs. Bartlett removed Quinton de Kock with a poorly-directed short ball and then dismissed captain Aiden Markram with a swinging full-length delivery that found the edge.
Ryan Rickelton offered the most resistance with 71 not out from 81 balls, but South Africa's middle order crumbled under pressure. Zampa lured Matthew Breetzke, who had scored a century in the first match, to be stumped on 25, while Tristan Stubbs was trapped lbw for 14. Corbin Bosch proved the most economical South African bowler, taking 4 for 60 from nine overs and dismissing both Peake and Carey, though his efforts proved insufficient to prevent Australia's victory.
South Africa's preparation was hampered by resting key spinner Keshav Maharaj and making four changes to their lineup, including the absence of captain Temba Bavuma, which disrupted their continuity during a crucial match.
What was the significance of Cummins' return?
Pat Cummins made his comeback to international cricket as a bowler, though he did not resume the captaincy, with Marsh retaining the role for this match. Cummins' return appeared to energise the entire squad, and his economical spell of 0 for 17 from five probing overs suggested he will be in strong condition to lead Australia in the first Test against South Africa in Durban, scheduled for 9 October. His presence on the field seemed to lift morale after the disappointments of the first two matches.
What happens next?
Australia are scheduled to play a tour match in Potchefstroom on 3–4 October before the first Test against South Africa in Durban, 9–13 October. This preparation period will allow the squad to adjust to local conditions and build momentum following their ODI series defeat.
Key Facts
- Australia scored 322 for 9 batting first; South Africa reached 145 for 4 before rain ended the match, with Australia winning by 45 runs under DLS
- Adam Carey was named player of the match after scoring 74, his first international half-century in 17 innings since December
- Ollie Peake made 48 in his first appearance of the series, his highest international score, after being recalled due to Jack Edwards' hamstring injury
- South Africa secured the series 2–1 despite this defeat, with Australia's bowling attack led by Adam Zampa (2 for 34) and Xavier Bartlett (2 for 25)
- Pat Cummins returned as a bowler with an economical 0 for 17, preparing for his captaincy role in the Test series beginning 9 October
