Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction, 3rd ODI – Who will win today’s match between AUS vs SA?

Published - 23 Aug 2025, 15:50 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2025, 16:05 IST

Australia (AUS) have already lost the series, but will be up against South Africa (SA) in the series finale as the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay will host the third ODI on Sunday, August 24. This match will also mark an end to the white-ball series, where the Aussies won the T20Is by a 2-1 margin.

Australia entered the series by resting the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc and the decision seems to have hurt them badly, as the absence of experienced cricketers has resulted in losses in both the ODIs so far. The first ODI in Cairns saw them face a shambolic 98-run defeat against the Temba Bavuma-led side, whereas, they returned to lose in the second match by 84 runs. They would look to sign off with a win, avoiding a whitewash.

Temba Bavuma is expected to make a comeback after missing out in the second match. The South Africa skipper made a crucial half-century in the first innings, and his bowlers have performed exceptionally well in both the matches so far. As a result, the visiting side will aim to return home by affecting a clean sweep against the Mitchell Marsh-led Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay showed signs of being a great surface to bat on, especially in the first innings. Despite a top-order collapse, the South Africans were able to post a decent total of 277 while batting first. The Australians failed to chase down the target, meaning that the surface became difficult to bat. This indicates that opting to bat first is a wise decision on a surface like this. Pacers are likely to get assistance throughout the innings.

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

Aiden Markram started the series with a bang, scoring a crucial 81-ball 82 at the Cazaly's Stadium. However, the Proteas opener registered a duck in the following clash, falling to Xavier Bartlett. The batter knows he has the ability to stage a strong comeback, and will be looking to contribute with a lot of runs at the top in the upcoming fixture in Mackay.

Lungi Ngidi picked up a couple of wickets in the opening match, and followed it up with a match-winning five-wicket haul in the second. The ace pacer has the ability to bowl in the right channels, and hold tight lines, which can help his side get a few crucial breakthroughs in the upcoming contest. He also has the skill to control the flow of runs from the opposition, which is likely to trouble the Aussie batters in the summit clash.

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.