South Africa vs Australia Third ODI: Betting Tips & Prediction

South Africa will be hunting a series whitewash when they face Australia in the third and final ODI at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: David Miller Reminds Australia There’s Plenty Of Life Left In Him.

The Proteas have already wrapped up the series after winning the opener in Durban by 67 runs before clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead with a thrilling 32-run victory at the Wanderers on Sunday. David Miller’s career-best 142 and Temba Bavuma’s 103 powered South Africa to 365/9 before Australia were dismissed for 333.

With the series secured, Shukri Conrad’s men can now complete a clean sweep against the reigning world champions. The final ODI starts at 13:30 SAST on Wednesday, 30 September.

Betting Preview

South Africa have been excellent in the opening two matches and, perhaps most encouragingly, have found different ways to beat Australia.

The first ODI belonged to Matthew Breetzke and Keshav Maharaj. Breetzke struck a superb 112 and Marco Jansen added 75 as South Africa posted 297/8 before Maharaj returned outstanding figures of 4/20 to help dismiss Australia for 230.

At the Wanderers, it was the experienced pair of Bavuma and Miller who took centre stage.

South Africa were in trouble at 93/3 before the pair added 156 for the fourth wicket. Bavuma made 103, while Miller produced a devastating 142 from 93 deliveries, smashing 12 fours and nine sixes as the Proteas reached 365/9. Australia fought hard in response but were eventually bowled out for 333.

Maharaj has been another major difference between the sides. The left-arm spinner has taken six wickets across the opening two ODIs, while Bjorn Fortuin has provided excellent support. Australia’s inability to consistently control South Africa’s spin attack has repeatedly halted their momentum through the middle overs.

Australia have nevertheless had opportunities. Mitchell Marsh scored 60 in Durban before making 84 at the Wanderers, while Travis Head also struck 84 in Johannesburg. Their problem has been converting promising positions into match-winning partnerships.

Their task has become even more difficult ahead of the finale, with Nathan Ellis and Joel Davies ruled out of the remainder of the tour, further reducing Australia’s options.

Potchefstroom should give Australia some encouragement. Recent ODIs at the venue have generally been good for batting, with the last three completed matches producing an average first-innings total of approximately 284.

But history at the ground strongly favours South Africa.

The Proteas have won their last three ODIs at the venue and haven’t lost there since 2015. They have also beaten Australia in both of their previous ODI meetings in Potchefstroom, by six wickets in 2020 and by 111 runs in 2023.

With confidence high and several batters in excellent form, South Africa have every reason to believe they can complete the sweep.

Statistics

• Series: South Africa lead 2-0.
  
• First ODI: South Africa 297/8 beat Australia 230 by 67 runs.
  
• Second ODI: South Africa 365/9 beat Australia 333 by 32 runs.
  
• Matthew Breetzke: Scored 112 in the opening ODI.
  
• David Miller: Scored a career-best 142 from 93 balls in the second ODI.
  
• Temba Bavuma: Scored 103 at the Wanderers.
  
• Keshav Maharaj: Has taken six wickets across the first two matches.
  
• Mitchell Marsh: Has scored 144 runs in the series after innings of 60 and 84.
  
• South Africa at JB Marks Oval: Unbeaten in ODIs at the venue since 2015.
  
• South Africa vs Australia at the venue: The Proteas won by six wickets in 2020 and 111 runs in 2023.
  
• Last ODI between the teams in Potchefstroom: South Africa 338/6 beat Australia 227 by 111 runs in 2023.

Betting Tips & Prediction

Prediction: South Africa to win at 2.00.

Best Bet: South Africa to hit the most sixes at 2.15.

Value Bet: Keshav Maharaj to be South Africa’s top bowler at 3.70.