Australia avoided a series clean sweep with a 45-run DLS victory over South Africa in the rain-affected third ODI at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 30.
Australia posted 322/9 in 50 overs after being asked to bat first. South Africa reached 145/4 in 28 overs before rain brought the match to an early end.
With no further play possible, Australia were declared winners by 45 runs under the DLS method.
South Africa, however, won the three-match ODI series 2-1, having secured victories in the opening two matches.
Australia Post 322/9
Australia made a strong start after being put into bat, with captain Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey leading the scoring.
Carey produced the innings' highest score, making a composed 74 from 88 balls. Marsh added an attacking 56 off 42 deliveries, while Oliver Peake contributed 48.
Australia Scorecard
Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
Mitchell Marsh (c) | 56 |
Travis Head | 24 |
Cooper Connolly | 23 |
Oliver Peake | 48 |
Alex Carey (wk) | 74 |
Matt Renshaw | 30 |
Cameron Green | 13 |
Xavier Bartlett | 9 |
Pat Cummins | 4 |
Mitchell Starc | 7 |
Adam Zampa | 1 |
Australia | 322/9 (50 overs) |
Alex Carey Anchors Australia's Innings
Alex Carey played a crucial role in Australia's total, holding the innings together during the middle and later stages.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 74 from 88 balls, providing Australia with valuable runs on a surface where building partnerships was important.
Carey's contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
Mitchell Marsh Adds Quick Runs
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh provided the acceleration during the middle overs.
Marsh struck 56 from 42 balls, helping Australia maintain the scoring rate before eventually departing.
His innings, combined with Carey's patient knock and Peake's contribution, helped Australia reach 322/9 from their 50 overs.
South Africa Reach 145/4 Before Rain
South Africa began their chase of 323 but lost wickets during the first 28 overs.
Ryan Rickelton provided the main resistance, remaining unbeaten on 71 from 81 balls. Matthew Breetzke added 25, while Corbin Bosch was unbeaten on 13 when play was stopped.
South Africa Scorecard
Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
Aiden Markram (c) | 15 |
Quinton de Kock (wk) | 0 |
Ryan Rickelton | 71* |
Matthew Breetzke | 25 |
Tristan Stubbs | 14 |
Corbin Bosch | 13* |
South Africa | 145/4 (28 overs) |
Bartlett and Zampa Take Two Wickets Each
Australia's bowlers had already made important breakthroughs before the rain interruption.
Xavier Bartlett finished with 2/25, while Adam Zampa claimed 2/34.
Their wickets kept Australia in control as South Africa attempted to stay ahead of the required DLS rate.
Rain Ends the Contest
Persistent rain prevented any further play after South Africa reached 145/4 at the end of 28 overs.
With the match unable to resume, the result was decided using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, with Australia winning by 45 runs.
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI Result
Match Details | Result |
|---|---|
Australia | 322/9 (50 overs) |
South Africa | 145/4 (28 overs) |
Result | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS) |
Series Result | South Africa won 2-1 |
Venue | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom |
Player of the Match | Alex Carey |
Player of the Series | Keshav Maharaj |
South Africa Win the ODI Series 2-1
Although Australia won the final ODI, South Africa had already secured the series after winning the opening two matches.
South Africa won the first ODI by 67 runs and the second by 32 runs, giving them a 2-0 lead before Australia claimed the rain-affected third match.
Keshav Maharaj was named Player of the Series after finishing with six wickets across the three-match contest.
Key Highlights
Australia: 322/9
South Africa: 145/4
Alex Carey: 74 (88)
Mitchell Marsh: 56 (42)
Ryan Rickelton: 71*
Xavier Bartlett: 2/25
Adam Zampa: 2/34
Match stopped after 28 overs
Australia won by 45 runs (DLS)
South Africa won the series 2-1
Player of the Match: Alex Carey
Player of the Series: Keshav Maharaj
What Comes Next?
With the ODI series completed, Australia and South Africa will now turn their attention to the three-match Test series.
The Test series is scheduled to begin in Durban on October 9, with both teams preparing for a change from limited-overs cricket to the longer format.
Conclusion
Australia finished the ODI series on a winning note, beating South Africa by 45 runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected third match at Potchefstroom.
Alex Carey's 74 and Mitchell Marsh's 56 helped Australia reach 322/9, while Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten 71 gave South Africa some resistance during their shortened chase.
The result prevented a 3-0 sweep, but South Africa still claimed the series 2-1 after winning the first two ODIs.
The focus now shifts to the Test series, which begins in Durban on October 9.
