SA vs AUS: South Africa produced a commanding batting display before holding their nerve with the ball to beat Australia by 32 runs in the second ODI at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game remaining.

Batting first after Australia opted to bowl, the hosts posted a formidable 365/9 in 50 overs, with captain Temba Bavuma and David Miller doing the bulk of the damage. South Africa were in early trouble at 0/1 and later 36/2, but Bavuma steadied the innings with a composed 103 off 116 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes.

Miller then transformed the innings with a breathtaking 142 off just 93 deliveries. His knock contained 12 fours and nine sixes and came at a strike rate of 152.69. The pair added 150 runs, taking South Africa from a rebuilding phase to an imposing total. Miller’s assault in the final 10 overs was particularly decisive, as South Africa collected 100 runs during the final powerplay.

Australia’s chase began impressively. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head added 130 for the opening wicket, with both reaching 84. Marsh struck his runs from only 53 balls, while Head faced 76 deliveries. Australia reached 200 in 26.3 overs and appeared well placed before South Africa’s bowlers began making regular breakthroughs.

The visitors slipped from 191/2 to 251/6, losing momentum in the middle overs. Xavier Bartlett provided late resistance with a sensational 50 off 28 balls, including five sixes, but Australia were eventually bowled out for 333 in 49.5 overs.

Lizaad Williams finished with 3/54, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj claimed two wickets apiece. South Africa’s ability to break Australia’s middle-order partnerships proved crucial as the hosts defended their total and completed another series victory.

Brief score: South Africa 365/9 (Miller 142, Bavuma 103; Hazlewood 3/70) beat Australia 333 (Marsh 84, Head 84, Bartlett 50; Williams 3/54) by 32 runs.

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