AUS vs SA, 1st ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips and Pitch Report | South Africa tour of Australia 2025

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Following a thrilling T20I series, the white-ball tour between Australia and South Africa concludes with a three-match ODI series, starting at Cazaly Stadium in Cairns. Both teams are in a period of transition, with significant player changes. Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, must fill the void left by the retirements of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, while injuries have forced the inclusion of new faces like Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie.

For South Africa, the return of captain Temba Bavuma and spinner Keshav Maharaj provides a major boost. All eyes will be on Dewald Brevis, who is set to make his ODI debut after his sensational T20I performances. With both sides testing new combinations, the series promises to be a crucial platform for building towards the ODI World Cup 2027.

Matches Played: 110 | Australia won: 51 | South Africa won: 55 | No results: 03 | Tied: 01

The pitch at Cazaly’s Stadium is poised to provide a fascinating contest in the 50-over format. Early in the innings, the tropical humidity is expected to aid the fast bowlers, offering significant swing and bounce with the new ball. This initial phase, particularly the first powerplay, will be crucial for the pacers to make an early impact. As the match progresses through the middle overs, the surface is anticipated to settle down and flatten out, making batting progressively easier.

This is where batters can build long innings and set a platform for an explosive finish. Spinners are also likely to come into their own during this period, as the drying surface will provide valuable grip and turn, making them a significant threat. Given the potential for early movement and the pitch’s tendency to become a batting paradise later, the toss-winning captain will almost certainly elect to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on the favorable conditions before chasing a total when the pitch is at its best.

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Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

Also READ: AUS vs SA: Mitchell Owen, Matt Short and Lance Morris ruled of ODI series against South Africa; replacement announced