South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI Preview & Tips - South Africa backed to power into 2-0 ODI series lead over Australia

Australia saw their four-game winning run in the ODI format brought to an end as they were outdone with bat and ball by their hosts. 

Ably assisted by a counter-attacking 75 from Marco Jansen, their score of just shy of 300 looked like it would be a real test for the Aussies on a pitch that was not hugely easy to score on. While Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head started well, consistent wickets following Head's dismissal with the score at 129 saw the touring side struggle. 

All in all, it was an impressive all-round display with the ball from the home side as the wickets were shared out. Australia will look to rally in the second ODI, but South Africa will feel they have the tools to beat their opponents again. Indeed, solid innings for their batters outside of their openers shows their depth, and Quinton de Kock will not likely need a second invitation after struggling in the first ODI. 

With South Africa looking good with bat and ball, I am backing them to surge into a 2-0 series lead. 

However, an inability to remove Breetzke (112) and Jansen (75) cost Australia as the pair scored the bulk of South Africa's 297 runs. In reply, Australia started well before they lost Mitchell Marsh with 90 runs on the board. While four of their top five made 36 runs or more, no player could play the role Breetzke did as the touring side went from 129/1 to 230 all out. 

This defeat was their sixth loss across their last 11 ODI's, with Australia struggling for consistency with bat and ball. South Africa have proved themselves to be a side that can score runs quickly and take wickets, and this saw Australia undone. With the turnaround between the first and second ODI's so short, I do not see the Aussies sorting their issues in time to win the second meeting.