Overview South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI: Where And When To Watch Match No 3? South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI live streaming can be watched on Star Sports Network and its digital platform Hotstar. The South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI will begin at 1:30 PM local time (5:00 PM IST for India).
The series result is already known as South Africa have won both games and thus have achieved the unassailable 2-0 lead. S Africa had earlier defeated the Australian by 67 runs in Durban whereas 32 runs in Johannesburg.
However, the final game is far from meaningless. Australia will be determined to avoid a 3-0 series defeat, while South Africa will have the opportunity to complete a clean sweep in front of their home supporters. With both teams having different objectives, the Potchefstroom match could turn into an entertaining contest for Reddy Anna Book users.
South Africa Have Been in Control
South Africa have been the better performing team in both games. They have displayed versatility in winning both games.
In the first ODI game, South Africa managed to score 297/8 while bowling Australia to be all out for 230 runs. The Proteas beat Australia by 67 runs as the bowlers ensured that the game remained within control despite Australia trying to accelerate the pace.
The second ODI game saw a much better batting display from South Africa, scoring 365/9 while bowing Australia to 333 runs.
The second game was more of a batting show from South Africa. David Miller and Temba Bavuma were able to hit centuries thus setting up the base for the huge total. While Miller played aggressively with strokes, Bavuma showed great stability at the other end.
South Africa have several players who can bring quick changes in the game. Quinton de Kock will bring experience to the batting at the top of the order. South Africa have Aiden Markram, who can play some good batting besides bowling. The inclusion of Marco Jansen in the playing XI is due to his contributions in the two aspects of the game.
The team's biggest concern going into the final ODI is its pace-bowling depth. South Africa have been hit by several injuries, with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka unavailable because of injury issues. Lizaad Williams was brought into the squad after Maphaka's withdrawal.
That could give some of the less experienced players an opportunity in the final game.
Australia Need a Response
For Australia, the third ODI is about finishing the series with something positive. They have shown enough during the first two matches to suggest that they can compete with South Africa, but they have struggled to put together a complete performance.
Their batting showed plenty of promise in Johannesburg. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both scored 84, giving Australia an excellent start during the chase. At one stage, Australia looked capable of making a serious challenge for South Africa's total, but wickets at important moments changed the direction of the match.
Australia's bowling also produced some encouraging signs. Jack Edwards took five wickets in the second ODI, while Josh Hazlewood continued to provide control with the new ball. Performances like these will give Australia some confidence heading into Potchefstroom.
The challenge will be to turn those individual performances into a team effort.
Australia have plenty of experience in their squad, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Cameron Green and Adam Zampa also give the team additional options with bat and ball.
One change Australia have had to deal with is the absence of Josh Inglis, who suffered a finger fracture and returned home. Alex Carey has taken over the wicketkeeping responsibility. This means Australia will have to adjust their combination for the final match.
What Could Happen at Potchefstroom?
JB Marks Oval will provide a different setting from the first two matches. The opening ODI was played in Durban, while the second took place at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The series now moves to Potchefstroom for the final game. Cricket South Africa has confirmed the venue and the 1:30 PM local start time for the third ODI.
Conditions could have an important role to play. Bowlers who can hit the right areas consistently should have opportunities, particularly with a fresh pitch at the beginning of the innings. At the same time, once the batters settle down, stroke-making could become easier.
For South Africa, the key will be avoiding complacency. They have already won the series, but a 3-0 result would give them an even stronger finish. Their top-order and middle-order have already shown that they can produce big totals, so Australia will need early wickets.
Australia, meanwhile, need their experienced players to take responsibility. Head and Marsh have already shown what they can do, but the visitors will want one of them to convert a strong start into a match-winning innings and you can watch this match using Reddy Anna ID.
The bowling battle could also be important. Australia's pace attack has experience and variety, while South Africa will need their replacement bowlers to step up because of the injuries affecting their fast-bowling group.
Players to Watch
For South Africa, David Miller will be one of the obvious players to watch after his outstanding century in Johannesburg. His ability to attack the bowling in the final overs makes him particularly dangerous.
Temba Bavuma will also be important. As captain and a top-order batter, he can provide the stability South Africa need before the middle order takes over.
For Australia, Travis Head remains a major threat. His aggressive approach can change the momentum of an ODI within a few overs. Mitchell Marsh is another player who will attract attention after his 84 in the previous match.
Jack Edwards could also be an interesting name to follow. After taking five wickets in the second ODI, the young Australian will be hoping to back up that performance in Potchefstroom.
South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI Prediction
South Africa will enter the final ODI with confidence after winning the first two matches and securing the series. They have also demonstrated strong batting depth and have found different ways to win games.
Australia, however, have enough quality to make this a competitive final match. Their top order has shown signs of form, and the bowling attack has produced some impressive individual performances.
The 54%-46% win probability shown in the supplied match information by Reddy Anna gives Australia a slight edge, despite South Africa leading the series 2-0. If Australia's experienced players deliver with both bat and ball, they have a realistic opportunity to finish the series with a victory.
Prediction: Australia to win the 3rd ODI
Nonetheless, it is important to take note that because of South Africa’s good form, Australia can no longer afford to give them an early edge. This third ODI match in the series to be played at JB Marks Oval will definitely hinge on which team will have the upper hand when it comes to handling the crucial moments in the match.
Top comments (0)