South Africa kept the series alive with a much-improved performance at Potchefstroom. The series remains at Senwes with the Proteas out to try and force a decider.
South Africa vs Australia | Fourth ODI | Friday 15 September 2023 | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom | 13:00
South Africa 23/20 | Draw 25/1 | Australia 72/100
Aiden Markram’s well-played ton in the third ODI would have been a sight for sore eyes for Proteas fans, as it looks like form is returning throughout the top and middle order.
Temba Bavuma has been in decent touch as well, and his partnership with Quinton De Kock continues to be productive even as rumours of a rift between them persist.
The bowlers also did much better with something to defend at Senwes, and the win stands them in good stead for another match at the same venue.
South Africa must win on Friday to make Sunday’s match in the series the decider.
Still leading the series 2-1 Australia don’t have a great deal to be concerned about but there are some points they might fret over.
One is their middle order struggles against spin when wickets have fallen early, which could blow up from a small problem in South Africa to a huge one in India.
Australia have a number of top batters in good form at the moment and look a strong threat at the Cricket World Cup
Mitch Marsh has led the team well in South Africa and could be a candidate for future leadership.
Verdict: Australia
Australia will learn from their errors in Potch first time out and come back stronger.
