South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI Preview & Tips - Australia to avoid 3-0 series defeat against South Africa

Despite battling to a score of 333, Australia were ultimately well short of their hosts in a frustrating 32-run defeat. 

Bavuma's innings was a measured effort that saw him go at 88.79 as he soaked up pressure and allowed David Miller to counter-attack, which is exactly what he did as he went at 152.69. Requiring only 93 deliveries for his 142, he plundered 12 boundaries and nine maximums. The home side would have been incredibly confident with 365 runs on the board after two of their key batters excelled. 

With the ball, South Africa struggled to get rid of Mitchell Marsh (84) and Travis Head (84), but once the pair had departed, only Xavier Bartlett (50) could really get going. With almost 700 runs scored on the day, the Proteas managed to come out on top. 

With the series wrapped up. the third ODI will likely be a difficult challenge for the home side. Australia have not been quite good enough to beat their hosts, but with only pride on the line, I predict that South Africa will see their levels of performance drop as the touring side finally get a win. 

Their inability to remove Miller (142) and Bavuma (103) ultimately lost Australia the game, with none of their players able to go big and score a match-winning century. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head both returned scores of 84, but they could not really put South Africa to the sword. Indeed, the loss of their wickets saw each subsequent batter make a start but, with the exception of Xavier Bartlett (50), none returned a score of note. 

With eight defeats coming from their last 10 ODI's against South Africa, the Aussies will need to be at their best to win the third ODI. Positively for the touring side, they may benefit from the series being over as a contest. Mitchell Marsh has been in good touch across the series, and I back him to add to his scores of 60 and 84 across the series as he helps to end Australia's losing run on their tour.