AUS vs SA 2025: Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI Match Preview

Published - 23 Aug 2025, 12:38 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2025, 12:43 IST

After facing crushing defeats in the first two games, Australia (AUS) will be ready to host the might of South Africa (SA) for one final time, as the two teams square off in the third and final ODI of the series on Sunday, August 24 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

The Australians have looked nowhere near to be competitive in both the encounters so far, losing by 98 and 84 runs, respectively. They have had certain individual performances to be proud about, but a collective team effort needed to win matches seemed to be missing in the ODI leg. Leaving everything beside, the Mitchell Marsh-led side will be looking to sign off with a consolation win on Sunday.

For South Africa, Temba Bavuma might return as the skipper after missing out the second clash, citing to workload management on his hamstring. The ace cricketer will be looking to lead the troops well in the series finale to crush the Aussies at their home. The aim for the Rainbow Nation will be nothing less than a whitewash to stamp their authority as a supreme side.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena experienced its first-ever completed ODI on Friday, as South Africa posted 277 in the first innings. The pitch offered a lot more, but a few unlucky dismissals cost the Aiden Markram-led side fall a few runs short. When the teams square off again, a score of around 320-340 can easily be expected to be on the cards. Whoever wins the toss will aim to bat first on this wicket.

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger