The cricketing action continues in Mackay as Australia faces South Africa in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on August 21, 10:00 AM IST. After suffering a heavy defeat in the opening game, the reigning ODI World Champions Australia will look to bounce back strongly and level the series, while South Africa will aim to clinch the series with yet another commanding performance.
Match Details
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Match: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd ODI
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Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
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Date & Time: Thursday, August 21, 10:00 AM (IST)
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Live Streaming: JioCinema app and website, Star Sports Network
First ODI Recap
In the opening match, South Africa outplayed Australia with an impressive 98-run victory. The star of the show was Keshav Maharaj, who spun a web around the Aussie batters with a career-best 5/33, sealing a memorable win for the Proteas. Australia, despite a fighting 88 (96) from skipper Mitchell Marsh, failed to chase the target and were bundled out, giving South Africa a 1-0 lead in the series.
Teams Overview
Australia: The hosts find themselves under pressure after losing the series opener. Their batting looked fragile apart from Marsh, with top-order and middle-order failing to deliver. The bowling lacked penetration as well. For the Aussies, a strong batting display will be crucial, and senior players like Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green must step up.
South Africa: The Proteas were clinical in the first ODI, thanks to their disciplined bowling attack led by Keshav Maharaj. The batting, though not explosive, was solid enough to post a competitive total. Skipper Temba Bavuma and youngsters like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs will aim to keep the momentum going.
Head-to-Head Record
Australia and South Africa have faced each other 111 times in ODI history.
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Australia Wins: 51
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South Africa Wins: 56
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Tied: 3
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No Result: 1
The record clearly shows how closely matched these two teams are, with South Africa holding a slight edge.
Pitch Report
The Great Barrier Reef Arena will host its first-ever ODI, making it an exciting challenge for both sides. Expect a balanced surface, where batters can score runs once set, but spinners might come into play as the game progresses. Pace bowlers will look for early swing under morning conditions.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia:
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Key Players to Watch
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Mitchell Marsh (AUS): Scored a brilliant 88 in the first ODI and will be crucial to Australia’s hopes of leveling the series.
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Keshav Maharaj (SA): The left-arm spinner was the game-changer with 5 wickets in the opener and will look to repeat his heroics.
Match Scenarios & Predictions
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If South Africa bat first: Expect them to post 240-250 runs, but chasing that could be tricky on a fresh pitch.
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If Australia bat first: Likely to score 285-295 runs, putting pressure on South Africa’s batting lineup.
Toss Prediction: South Africa to win the toss.
Match Prediction: Australia to fight back and win the second ODI, setting up a decider.