David Miller’s 142 and Temba Bavuma’s century help South Africa defeat Australia by 32 runs and clinch the three-match ODI series 2-0.
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa clinched the three-match ODI series against Australia with a game to spare after securing a 32-run victory in the second ODI at The Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
The Proteas produced a commanding all-round performance, posting a formidable 365 runs after being asked to bat first before restricting Australia to 333.
South Africa’s innings initially appeared vulnerable after both openers departed early, leaving the hosts at 36 for 2. However, captain Temba Bavuma and David Miller steadied the innings with a superb 156-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Bavuma led from the front with a composed 103, while Miller produced the outstanding innings of the match, smashing 142 from 93 deliveries. Their centuries transformed the innings and enabled South Africa to establish a daunting total.
Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the scoring on a good batting surface, although Jack Edwards provided a major highlight by claiming an impressive five-wicket haul. Josh Hazlewood took three wickets, while Xavier Bartlett added one.
In reply, Australia made a flying start to the chase. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head put South Africa under considerable pressure, with both batters scoring 84. Marsh’s aggressive approach and Head’s assured strokeplay gave Australia genuine hope of chasing down the imposing target.
However, the dismissal of the opening pair dramatically changed the contest. Australia’s middle and lower-middle order could not maintain the required momentum as South Africa’s bowlers tightened their grip.
The Proteas’ spinners played a decisive role, claiming five wickets between them and exploiting the turn available from the surface. Lizaad Williams and Marco Jansen also contributed five wickets collectively as South Africa successfully defended their total.
Australia’s late resistance came from Xavier Bartlett, who scored a half-century, but the visitors ultimately fell 32 runs short, handing South Africa an unassailable series lead.
Miller was named Player of the Match for his sensational 142. He described reaching his highest ODI score as a special feeling and credited Australia’s competitive nature with bringing out the best in players.
Miller also praised his partnership with Bavuma, explaining that the pair focused on rotating the strike after noticing the surface offered slow bounce before accelerating as their innings progressed.
The match also carried special significance for Miller as part of South Africa’s Pink Day initiative. He wore his mother’s name on the back of his shirt, saying the occasion was particularly meaningful given what she had experienced over the past few years.
Bavuma praised the performance as another strong all-round effort from South Africa. He highlighted the batting partnership with Miller and praised the bowlers for recognising that a couple of wickets could shift the pressure back on to Australia.
The South African captain also pointed to the value of having Aiden Markram as an additional spin option, particularly because of his ability to turn the ball away from left-handed batters.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted that the defeat was disappointing, acknowledging that his side had an opportunity to keep the series alive but failed to capitalise on its excellent start.
Marsh said the middle order had faltered in both matches but described the experience as a learning curve. He also praised young players such as Edwards and Bartlett for their performances and said Australia would be determined to avoid a clean sweep.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for 30 September at 11:30 am GMT. With South Africa already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, the final match will give the hosts an opportunity to complete a series clean sweep, while Australia will seek a consolation victory.