South Africa face a must win match in Potchefstroom after slumping to successive defeats in Bloemfontein. The rust doesn't seem to be shaking off the Proteas but there is time to turn things around yet.
South Africa vs Australia | Third ODI | Tuesday 12 September 2023 | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom | 13:00
South Africa 27/20 | Draw 25/1 | Australia 62/100
South Africa were toothless up front against Australia in the second ODI and never really caught up in the game, to stay in the series they must fire from the get-go.
That also applies to the top order who haven’t been electrifying at all so far this series.
Quinton de Kock’s retirement announcement coming when it did probably hasn’t helped the preparations for the Cricket World Cup.
It may not have clicked for South Africa yet but the ingredients for a winning ODI team are present.
Australia
It has been a great homecoming for Marnus Labuschagne as he made another hundred in the second ODI.
Travis Head has also batted very well in the last year and Australia also saw David Warner return to form in Bloemfontein.
The big boundaries in Bloemfontein gave Adam Zampa plenty of real estate to work with but he might get targeted at Senwes.
Australia’s firing top order should make the most of what is usually a very good pitch in Potchefstroom.
Verdict: Australia
Australia have the quality to close out the series.
