South Africa will face Australia in the third and final ODI of the series at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The Proteas have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning the first ODI in Durban by 67 runs and the second match in Johannesburg by 32 runs, but Australia will be determined to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
The match is scheduled as a day-night fixture and will begin at 1:30 PM local time, which is 5:00 PM in India.Although the series result has already been decided, the final ODI remains important for both teams. South Africa will be aiming for a clean sweep and will want to carry excellent momentum into the upcoming Test series against Australia. The hosts have displayed greater consistency throughout the first two matches, combining powerful batting with disciplined bowling.
Australia, meanwhile, need a complete performance after falling short in both games. Their top order has shown the ability to score quickly, but the middle overs and bowling execution have not been consistent enough. A win in Potchefstroom would give the visitors some confidence before the Test matches and help them avoid another ODI whitewash in South Africa.
This will also be a useful match for squad rotation. South Africa may give opportunities to players who have not featured regularly, while Australia could bring Pat Cummins back into the XI after his long absence from ODI cricket. Josh Hazlewood is expected to be rested, while Nathan Ellis is unavailable after suffering a side strain.
South Africa are in outstanding ODI form. Their last five completed matches have all ended in victories, giving them a 5-0 form sequence. The Proteas won the opening match of this series by posting 297/8 and dismissing Australia for 230. In Johannesburg, they produced an even stronger batting performance, scoring 365/9 before restricting Australia to 333.
Temba Bavuma’s century and David Miller’s explosive 142 from 93 balls were the main highlights of the second ODI. Their 156-run partnership changed the course of the innings after Australia had made early breakthroughs. Matthew Breetzke has also impressed during the series, while the bowling unit has performed effectively despite the absence of frontline pacers such as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
AUS vs SA Match Details
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Match / League / Season: 3rd ODI, Australia tour of South Africa 2026 (Qantas Tour)
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Date: Sunday, 30 September 2026
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Time: 4:30 PM (Today) 11:30 AM GMT / 1:30 PM LOCAL
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Venue: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
AUS vs SA Live Streaming Info
Fans around the world can catch the South Africa vs Australia ODI live through the following official broadcasters and streaming platforms:
- South Africa: TV on SuperSport Cricket and SABC 3; stream via DStv Stream, SABC+, or the SuperSport website (sport pack required).
- Australia: TV on Fox Cricket; stream on Kayo Sports or Foxtel Now.
- India: TV on Eurosport and Star Sports Network; stream on FanCode and JioHotstar.
- Pakistan: TV on PTV Sports; stream on Tapmad and ARY Zap.
- United Kingdom: TV on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports+; stream via Sky Go or NOW.
- United States & Canada: No linear TV; stream on Prime Video with the Willow TV add-on.
- Sri Lanka: TV on ThePapare 1 and 3 HD (Dialog TV channels 62 & 128); stream via the Dialog Play App.
- Bangladesh: No linear TV; stream on Tapmad.
- Middle East & North Africa: TV on BeIN Sports (selected regions); stream on BeIN Sports Connect.
- Rest of World: Stream via Willow TV (on Prime Video in select regions) or the FanCode international app.
The AUS vs SA 3rd ODI match will be live on Willow TV.
Live Score Info:
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.Australia’s recent form reads LLWWW, with the two defeats coming in the first two games of this series. They have produced strong individual performances, particularly from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. Marsh scored 84 from 53 balls in Johannesburg, while Head added 84 from 76 deliveries. However, Australia have struggled to maintain pressure for the full 50 overs.
The visitors have also faced problems against left-arm spin. Keshav Maharaj has been one of the most influential bowlers of the series, taking wickets while maintaining an excellent economy rate. Australia’s batters will need a more effective plan against Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and South Africa’s other spin options.
Pitch Report
JB Marks Oval generally offers a balanced surface. The pitch can provide good pace and carry for the fast bowlers early in the innings, while batters who settle in are capable of scoring freely. The surface is expected to remain firm, but cool conditions could assist seam movement during the opening overs.
Spin may become increasingly important during the middle overs, particularly if the pitch slows down. Keshav Maharaj and Adam Zampa could play significant roles because both sides have shown occasional difficulty against quality spin.
The last ODI at Potchefstroom, also played between South Africa and Australia in September 2023, saw South Africa score 338/6 and win by 111 runs. That record suggests that teams batting first can post a substantial total if they preserve wickets during the early stages.
Weather Update
Cool and cloudy conditions are expected in Potchefstroom. Forecasts indicate temperatures could fall to around 6°C, with rain affecting parts of the Highveld. There is a possibility of a delayed start or a reduction in overs if showers arrive at the venue.
The weather may make the toss especially important. Captains could prefer to bowl first if there is visible cloud cover, hoping to exploit early movement. However, a shortened match could favour aggressive batting and make the result more unpredictable.
South Africa Team Analysis
South Africa’s biggest strength is their batting depth. Bavuma provides control at the top, while de Kock, Aiden Markram, Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller offer a mixture of stability and power. Miller’s performance in the second ODI showed how quickly he can change a match once he gets set.
Their bowling attack has also exceeded expectations. Maharaj has been the standout performer with his accuracy and ability to take wickets in the middle overs. Lizaad Williams delivered an important spell in Johannesburg, while Marco Jansen provides value with both the new ball and the bat. Fortuin gives the captain another reliable spin option.
The main weakness could be uncertainty around the combination if several regular players are rested. South Africa may also miss the experience and pace of Rabada, although the team’s recent performances suggest that its bowling depth remains strong.
Key Players
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David Miller: A destructive middle-order batter who can dominate the final 15 overs.
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Keshav Maharaj: South Africa’s leading bowler in the series and a major threat to Australia’s left-handers.
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Temba Bavuma: The captain provides stability and has already scored a century in the series.
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Marco Jansen: An important all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
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Quinton de Kock: A dangerous opener who will be keen to produce a major score after modest returns in the first two matches.
Probable South Africa XI
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Duan Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (c), Bjorn Fortuin, Nqobani Mokoena, Lizaad Williams.
Australia Team Analysis
Australia still possess a powerful squad, but their performances have lacked consistency. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are capable of destroying attacks during the powerplay, while Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly provide depth through the middle order.
Their bowling attack remains dangerous, especially with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins potentially operating together. Adam Zampa is an important wicket-taking option, while Jack Edwards enters the match with confidence after taking five wickets in Johannesburg.
Australia’s major concern is their performance against left-arm spin and their inability to take wickets during the middle overs. They also face a selection challenge because Ellis is injured and Hazlewood may be rested. The visitors will need a better bowling plan against Miller and South Africa’s lower order.
Key Players
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Travis Head: An aggressive opener who can dictate the match during the first 10 overs.
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Mitchell Marsh: A powerful all-rounder who has already made a major contribution in the series.
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Mitchell Starc: His pace and late swing could be decisive under cloudy conditions.
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Adam Zampa: Australia’s main spin threat in the middle overs.
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Pat Cummins: His return could provide leadership and greater control with the ball.
Probable Australia XI
Probable XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Head-to-Head Record
South Africa have a narrow overall advantage in men’s ODIs against Australia. The two teams have played 115 matches, with South Africa winning 59 and Australia winning 52. One match ended in a tie and three matches produced no result, according to the latest available series records.
Last Five ODI Meetings
| Date | Venue | Result |
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| September 27, 2026 | Johannesburg | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| September 24, 2026 | Durban | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| August 24, 2025 | Mackay | Australia won by 276 runs |
| August 22, 2025 | Mackay | South Africa won by 84 runs |
| August 19, 2025 | Cairns | South Africa won by 98 runs |
South Africa have won four of the last five completed meetings. The Proteas also won the previous bilateral ODI series in Australia in 2025 by 2-1.
South Africa start as the favourites because they have already won the series, are in better recent form and have shown greater balance with both bat and ball. Their middle order has been more productive, while Maharaj and the supporting spinners have exposed weaknesses in Australia’s batting.
Australia have enough quality to make this a close contest, particularly if Head and Marsh provide another fast start and Starc strikes early. However, the cooler conditions and possible rain interruptions could favour the team that adapts more calmly.