South Africa and Australia begin a three-match ODI series in Durban as both sides look to build momentum ahead of the next 50-over World Cup.
DURBAN, September 24, 2026: South Africa and Australia renew their long-standing rivalry on Thursday when they meet in the opening ODI of their three-match series at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
The first ball is scheduled for 10:00am local time, with the series moving to Johannesburg on September 27 before concluding in Potchefstroom on September 30.
The ODI series is the opening leg of Australia’s multi-format tour of South Africa, which will later feature a three-Test series in October.
Australia Aim to End Long ODI Wait
Australia arrive in South Africa looking to improve their recent record against the Proteas in bilateral ODI cricket.
Their most recent series victory over South Africa came in 2014, when they won a five-match series 4-1 at home.
Australia have nevertheless entered the contest with positive momentum after completing a 3-0 ODI sweep of Zimbabwe.
The series also provides Australia with an opportunity to build towards the next 50-over World Cup, which is now less than a year away.
Captain Pat Cummins and left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc return to the ODI squad after being rested during the Zimbabwe series. Their availability adds further experience to an attack that also includes Josh Hazlewood.
The return of Cummins and Starc strengthens Australia’s bowling options, although managing their workloads will remain an important consideration across the three-match series.
Proteas Face Pace Bowling Challenges
South Africa enter the opening ODI with several injury concerns in their pace department.
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are among the fast bowlers unavailable for the series, while Ottneil Baartman has also been ruled out.
Ngidi was withdrawn after suffering a right hamstring injury, prompting the selectors to call up 20-year-old Nqobani Mokoena.
Gerald Coetzee has also returned to the ODI set-up, while Duan Jansen has been added to the squad.
Marco Jansen is expected to provide experience alongside Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka, while Keshav Maharaj offers the hosts an experienced spin option.
South Africa Retain Batting Experience
The Proteas still possess considerable experience in their batting line-up, with captain Temba Bavuma leading the side.
David Miller and Quinton de Kock have returned despite being outside the national central-contract system.
Miller recently reiterated his commitment to international cricket after losing his national contract and is set to feature against Australia.
Matthew Breetzke also provides an exciting option at the top of the order following an impressive start to his ODI career, including a century-plus score on debut against New Zealand.
Aiden Markram, however, is unavailable for the series opener for personal reasons.
Australia Bolster Batting Options
Australia’s batting line-up also contains considerable experience and recent form.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh provide an aggressive opening combination, while Cooper Connolly has strengthened his case for a regular top-order role after producing consecutive half-centuries.
Josh Inglis, Matthew Renshaw and Oliver Peake also impressed during the recent Zimbabwe series, giving Australia several options through the middle order.
The challenge will now be to translate that form against a South African side playing an ODI series on home soil for the first time since December 2024.
Kingsmead Conditions Could Test Batters
Conditions at Kingsmead could make the new ball particularly important during the early stages of the match.
The Durban venue is traditionally associated with movement and bounce, potentially giving fast bowlers an opportunity to make an early impact.
That could make the contest between Australia’s experienced pace attack and South Africa’s reshaped bowling unit one of the key features of the opening ODI.
The match gets underway at 10:00am local time on Thursday, September 24, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, with the three-match series continuing in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.