Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between AUS vs SA?

Published - 18 Aug 2025, 16:00 IST | Updated - 18 Aug 2025, 16:40 IST

The clash on Tuesday, August 19 will see Australia (AUS) host South Africa (SA) for the first ODI of the three-match series at the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. The ODI leg opener will begin after the hosts have already clinched the T20I series by a 2-1 margin.

Australia haven't had luck on their side in the recent One-Day Internationals they have played. The Aussies last contested in an ODI during the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy back in March 2025, where they faced a crushing defeat against the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side. Coming back to play the format after a long time, the side will be looking to start afresh on winning terms.

The visiting South African side, on the other hand, has also had a decent record in recent ODIs, winning two and losing as many in the last five fixtures. When the Temba Bavuma-led side brushes shoulders against the Mitchell Marsh-led Australian side, another cracker jack of a contest is expected to be on the cards, giving fans a run for their money.

A total of five 50-over encounters have been hosted by the Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, where all of them were won convincingly by Australia. The majority of the games played at this surface have been won by the teams opting to field first. A same decision is expected to be made by the captain calling it correctly at the coin toss on Tuesday as well.

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

Temba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Attacking Australian opener Travis Head has been a force to be reckoned with whenever he steps onto the field. In the format in 2025, Head has smashed 122 runs across four innings, including one half-century, meaning that he has struggled to be consistent. However, all it takes is one game to return to form, and that is exactly what Head will be keeping in mind for the upcoming contest.

Rabada has been ageing like a fine wine. In the last five ODIs, the lethal right-arm pace of Rabada has scalped 11 wickets, while his economy rate has also been in check despite bowling on flat tracks in the majority of these games. These shows the amount of the adaptability Rabada has, and he will certainly pose a threat to the Aussie batters in the first fixture of the three-match series.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.