South Africa vs Australia Prediction, 2nd ODI, Australia Tour of South Africa 2026
South Africa vs Australia prediction for the second ODI focuses on a series that has already produced a decisive opening result. South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 after defeating Australia by 67 runs in Durban, meaning the Proteas can secure the series with another victory at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on September 27.
The first ODI highlighted two contrasting performances. South Africa recovered from 168/5 to post 297/8, with Matthew Breetzke producing his second ODI century, a superb 112 from 106 balls. Marco Jansen added 75 from 59 deliveries, providing the acceleration that transformed a potentially modest total into a challenging target.
Australia’s chase began exceptionally well. Mitchell Marsh struck 60 from 36 balls and Travis Head made 36 as Australia reached 90 without loss inside 10 overs. However, South Africa’s spin attack changed the match. Keshav Maharaj returned 4/20 and Bjorn Fortuin took 2/34 as Australia lost nine wickets for 101 runs and were dismissed for 230.
The second ODI brings several important selection developments. Aiden Markram, who was unavailable for the first match, is expected to return for the Wanderers after being named as available for the second and third ODIs. Australia also have Pat Cummins available after he was rested for the opening match, although Mitchell Marsh remains a major part of the leadership and batting structure.
The match is also important from a series perspective. Australia must win to keep the three-match series alive, while South Africa need only one more victory to take the series 2-0. The Wanderers presents a different challenge from Kingsmead, with its altitude, pace, bounce and historically strong scoring environment.
South Africa therefore enter with the advantage of a 1-0 lead, home conditions and confidence from the first ODI. Australia, however, have enough experience and firepower to make this a much tighter contest.
Match Details
| Match | Date | Time | Venue | Tournament/Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs Australia, 2nd ODI | 27 September 2026 | 1:30 PM IST | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 |
The official schedule confirms the second ODI at The Wanderers Stadium on September 27, starting at 10:00 AM local time, equivalent to 1:30 PM IST.
South Africa Last 5 ODI Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Sep 2026 | Australia | Won | 297/8 | 230 | Won by 67 runs |
| 13 Sep 2026 | Namibia | Won | 157/1 | 156 | Won by 9 wickets |
| 11 Sep 2026 | Namibia | Won | 335/9 | 178 | Won by 157 runs |
| 9 Sep 2026 | Namibia | Won | 348/6 | 162/8 | Won by 99 runs, DLS |
| 6 Dec 2025 | India | Lost | 270 | 271/1 | Lost by 9 wickets |
South Africa have won four of their last five ODIs. Their three-match ODI series against Namibia produced three victories before the 67-run win over Australia, giving the Proteas substantial recent momentum in the format.
The batting has also shown considerable range. South Africa scored 348/6 and 335/9 against Namibia and then 297/8 against Australia, although the 270 all out against India remains a reminder that the middle order can still be exposed by sustained pressure.
Australia Last 5 ODI Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Sep 2026 | South Africa | Lost | 230 | 297/8 | Lost by 67 runs |
| 20 Sep 2026 | Zimbabwe | Won | 272/9 | 271/8 | Won by 1 wicket |
| 18 Sep 2026 | Zimbabwe | Won | 356/6 | 272 | Won by 84 runs |
| 15 Sep 2026 | Zimbabwe | Won | 294/8 | 235 | Won by 59 runs |
| 24 Aug 2025 | South Africa | Lost | 431/2 | 155 | Lost by 276 runs |
Australia have won three of their last five ODIs, all during the recent 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe. They also produced 356/6 in the second ODI of that series and successfully chased 272 in the final match.
The immediate concern is their collapse against South Africa. Australia moved to 124/1 in Durban but then lost nine wickets for 106 runs, demonstrating that their batting can become vulnerable once the opposition controls the middle overs.
Recent Form Comparison
South Africa have the stronger immediate ODI record, with four wins in their last five compared with Australia’s three. More importantly, the Proteas have won their last four completed ODIs, while Australia suffered a significant defeat in the opening game of this series.
Australia’s recent 356/6 and 272/9 against Zimbabwe show that their batting has considerable ceiling. South Africa’s 348/6 and 335/9 against Namibia demonstrate a similar ability to produce large totals.
The main difference entering Johannesburg is therefore not batting potential but execution under pressure. South Africa’s spinners successfully exploited Australia’s middle order in Durban, and Australia will need a clear response.
South Africa Preview
South Africa enter the Wanderers match with a combination of confidence, home conditions and an opportunity to strengthen the series position. Their 67-run win in Durban was not built entirely on one phase; they recovered from a difficult middle period with Breetzke and Jansen before using Maharaj and Fortuin to dismantle Australia’s chase.
Matthew Breetzke remains one of the most important players in the South African batting unit. His 112 in the opening ODI continued an exceptional start to his international career. Cricket Australia noted that he had already produced scores of 150, 83, 57, 88 and 85 in his first five ODI innings before the latest century, highlighting the consistency of his early career.
The return of Aiden Markram should provide another layer of experience and flexibility. Markram was unavailable for the first ODI but was expected to return for the second match. His presence could alter the top-order structure, with Tony de Zorzi potentially making way after a first-ball dismissal in Durban.
Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton give South Africa several options around the top four, while David Miller remains an important middle-order finisher. Miller made only nine in the opening match, so there is room for his contribution to increase.
Marco Jansen was equally important with the bat in Durban. His 75 from 59 balls rescued the innings alongside Breetzke and demonstrated the value of his all-round role. He also took four catches and contributed with the ball.
The bowling attack remains slightly weakened by injuries. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman are unavailable for the ODI series, while Nandre Burger has been dealing with a back issue. Duan Jansen and Nqobani Mokoena have consequently been given opportunities in the squad.
That makes the spin combination particularly important. Maharaj’s 4/20 and Fortuin’s 2/34 were decisive in Durban. The Wanderers traditionally offers more pace and bounce than a turning surface, but South Africa should still be reluctant to abandon spin because Australia’s middle order struggled significantly against it in the first ODI.
Powerplay
South Africa need to use the first 10 overs carefully against Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. If Breetzke and the top order survive the new-ball phase, the Wanderers’ pace and altitude can make strokeplay increasingly rewarding.
Middle Overs
This is where South Africa can attempt to repeat the strategy from Durban. Markram, Jansen and Maharaj give them multiple options for controlling Australia’s scoring rate.
Death Overs
The first ODI demonstrated South Africa’s ability to accelerate late through Jansen. Miller, Bosch and Jansen provide enough power to push a total beyond 280 if wickets remain available.
What South Africa Need to Do to Win
The biggest priority is to avoid allowing Australia to reach 90 without loss again. With Cummins potentially strengthening Australia’s bowling and Markram strengthening South Africa’s batting, the powerplay contest could have a major influence on the result.
Australia Preview
Australia arrive at Johannesburg needing a response after an opening defeat that was largely caused by a middle-order collapse. The visitors were 124/1 after 15 overs in Durban and appeared comfortable in pursuit of 298, but South Africa’s spin attack created sustained pressure and Australia eventually fell for 230.
Mitchell Marsh remains a major part of Australia’s ODI structure. His 60 from 36 balls in the first ODI was the fastest scoring contribution from either side during the chase and demonstrated how quickly he can change the equation. Travis Head added 36, but Australia’s opening pair could not convert their start into a match-winning platform.
Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis have also shown strong recent form. Connolly had been one of Australia’s productive players during the Zimbabwe series, while Inglis has been an important middle-order option since moving into the ODI setup.
Matthew Renshaw’s 44 in Durban provided resistance after the collapse had begun. Cameron Green, however, did not make a major contribution with either bat or ball in the opening match, and Australia’s final combination could change for Johannesburg.
The biggest potential addition is Pat Cummins. He was rested for the first ODI as Australia managed his workload ahead of the Test series, but he is part of the ODI squad and could return at the Wanderers.
Alex Carey is another possible change. He missed the first ODI, and his return would give Australia an additional experienced batting option and wicketkeeper. The final combination may therefore depend on whether Australia retain Josh Inglis and Cameron Green together or rebalance the side around Carey and Cummins.
The bowling attack remains dangerous regardless of the final combination. Starc and Hazlewood can attack the new ball, Nathan Ellis provides variations at the death, and Adam Zampa offers a specialist leg-spin option.
The challenge is how Australia use their bowling at the Wanderers. The venue provides more pace and bounce than Kingsmead, so Starc and Hazlewood could be particularly important against Breetzke and Markram.
Powerplay
Australia need wickets rather than simply containment. Breetzke has shown that he can convert starts into large ODI scores, so Starc and Hazlewood will have a clear opportunity to attack him early.
Middle Overs
The middle overs were Australia’s problem in Durban. They must improve their strike rotation against spin and avoid losing several wickets in a short period.
Death Overs
If Australia bat first, they have enough power through Marsh, Green, Carey/Inglis and the lower order to accelerate late. Their bowling also contains multiple death-over options.
What Australia Need to Do to Win
Australia need to turn strong starts into substantial partnerships. The first ODI showed that reaching 120/1 means little if the middle order subsequently loses control of the innings.
Also Read: Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 Schedule, Squads, Fixtures, Dates, Venues and More
Team Squad & Team News
South Africa ODI Squad
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Corbin Bosch
- Matthew Breetzke
- Gerald Coetzee
- Quinton de Kock
- Tony de Zorzi
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Duan Jansen
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kwena Maphaka
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Nqobani Mokoena
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
South Africa’s pace resources have been affected by injuries. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman are unavailable, while Duan Jansen was called up as Baartman’s replacement.
Aiden Markram is expected to be available for the second ODI after missing the opener.
Australia ODI Squad
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Marsh
- Xavier Bartlett
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Joel Davies
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Jack Edwards
- Oliver Peake
- Matthew Renshaw
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
Jack Edwards was added to Australia’s squad after Billy Stanlake suffered a side strain, while Spencer Johnson was released. Edwards subsequently made his ODI debut in the first match.
Pat Cummins was rested for the first ODI as part of workload management and is available for the South Africa series.
Probable Playing XI
| South Africa Probable XI | Australia Probable XI |
|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Travis Head |
| Aiden Markram | Mitchell Marsh (c) |
| Temba Bavuma | Cooper Connolly |
| Matthew Breetzke | Alex Carey (wk) |
| Ryan Rickelton | Matt Renshaw |
| David Miller | Cameron Green |
| Marco Jansen | Pat Cummins |
| Corbin Bosch | Mitchell Starc |
| Gerald Coetzee | Nathan Ellis |
| Bjorn Fortuin | Josh Hazlewood |
| Keshav Maharaj | Adam Zampa |
South Africa’s most likely change is Markram coming into the top order after missing the first ODI. The rest of the XI has a strong case to remain unchanged after the 67-run victory.
Australia’s combination is less certain. Cummins is the obvious potential addition after sitting out the opener, while Alex Carey could return after being omitted in Durban. If both return, Australia may need to leave out one of the players who featured in the first XI.
Probable XIs are subject to official team announcements and the toss.
Australia vs South Africa Fantasy / Dream11 Prediction
| Role | Fantasy Picks |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Quinton de Kock, Alex Carey |
| Batters | Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Cameron Green |
| Bowlers | Keshav Maharaj, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa |
Captain Options
- Matthew Breetzke — scored 112 in the first ODI and has shown remarkable consistency early in his ODI career.
- Marco Jansen — contributed 75 with the bat and can also provide wickets.
Vice-Captain Options
- Keshav Maharaj — his 4/20 was decisive in Durban and the left-arm angle remains important against Australia’s right-hand-heavy batting options.
- Mitchell Marsh — scored 60 from 36 balls in the first ODI and provides all-round potential.
Players to Avoid
- Unconfirmed returning players — final fantasy selections should wait for the official XI.
- Lower-order players without a clear bowling role — their opportunity with the bat may be limited.
Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns.
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Australia vs South Africa Head-to-Head — ODI Record
South Africa have the overall advantage in ODI meetings with Australia. After the first ODI of this series, the Proteas have won 58 of 114 completed/recorded meetings, while Australia have won 52. There have been three ties and one no-result.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total ODI Matches | 114 |
| South Africa Wins | 58 |
| Australia Wins | 52 |
| Ties | 3 |
| No Results | 1 |
Last 5 Completed ODI Meetings
| Date | Venue | Winner | Result/Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Sep 2026 | Kingsmead, Durban | South Africa | Won by 67 runs |
| 24 Aug 2025 | Mackay | Australia | Won by 276 runs |
| 22 Aug 2025 | Mackay | South Africa | Won by 84 runs |
| 19 Aug 2025 | Cairns | South Africa | Won by 98 runs |
| 16 Nov 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Australia | Won by 3 wickets |
South Africa have won three of the last five meetings, including the latest match. Australia won the third ODI in the 2025 series by 276 runs, but South Africa had already won the first two matches of that series.
Also Read: South Africa vs Australia Head to Head in ODI: Overall Record, Last Matches and Key Stats
Pitch Report
The Wanderers is generally a strong batting venue because of its altitude, quick outfield and pace coming onto the bat. The ground sits at roughly 1,750 metres above sea level, which contributes to the carry and the distance the ball can travel.
At the same time, fast bowlers can obtain bounce and early movement. This makes the first 10 overs particularly important: batters who survive the initial period can benefit from the quick outfield, while bowlers who hit the right length can create genuine wicket-taking opportunities.
The historical ODI average is 240 in the first innings and 206 in the second, although more recent samples have produced higher scoring.
The pitch should therefore offer opportunities to both departments. South Africa’s left-arm spin combination of Maharaj and Fortuin remains relevant because Australia struggled against spin in Durban, but the Wanderers’ pace and bounce could give Starc and Hazlewood a stronger platform than they had in the opening match.
If the surface remains dry and the weather stays stable, batting should become easier after the initial powerplay. The side that handles the first 10 overs better should gain the tactical advantage.
Weather Report
| Weather Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 15–26°C |
| Humidity | Low to moderate during the match |
| Rain Chance | Low during the main match period |
| Wind | Moderate, potentially gusty |
| Conditions | Sunny to partly cloudy |
The latest Met Office forecast for Johannesburg indicates sunny conditions around the match period, with temperatures reaching about 26°C. Precipitation chances remain below 10% through much of the morning and early afternoon, although the probability increases later in the afternoon.
The Wanderers-specific forecast similarly shows sunny conditions around 9 AM and noon, with no forecast rainfall at those times.
DLS/Interruption Risk: Low
Rain is not currently expected to materially disrupt the match during the scheduled playing hours. The main weather influence should instead come from temperature, wind and the way the surface responds to the morning conditions.
Dew should not be a major factor because this is a daytime match.
Broadcast Details
The second ODI begins at 1:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM local time on September 27 at The Wanderers Stadium. In India, current listings show Eurosport as the television broadcaster and FanCode as the streaming platform. In Australia, the series is being shown on Fox Cricket and Kayo.
Australia vs South Africa Toss Prediction & Strategy
If South Africa Wins the Toss
South Africa should consider batting first.
The Wanderers has a strong scoring reputation, and putting runs on the board can allow South Africa to use their spin options later with scoreboard pressure. A total around 280 or above would provide a substantial target.
However, if the surface has visible moisture or unusually strong early movement, bowling first could also be justified.
If Australia Wins the Toss
Australia could also prefer to bowl first, particularly because their new-ball attack is better suited to exploiting early pace and bounce.
Starc and Hazlewood against Breetzke and Markram is an important opening contest. Removing two of South Africa’s main top-order threats before the surface becomes easier to bat on could significantly alter the match.
Toss Prediction
Predicted toss winner: Australia
The toss itself is random, so this is only a prediction. If Australia win it, bowling first is the preferred tactical option because of their pace attack and the opportunity to attack South Africa’s reshaped top order.
ODI Score Prediction
| Scenario | Projected Score |
|---|---|
| South Africa batting first | 275–295 |
| Australia batting first | 270–290 |
Projected Competitive Score
A competitive first-innings total should be around 280–290.
The Wanderers has a much higher scoring ceiling than many South African venues, but the recent ODI evidence also shows that totals can vary substantially depending on the quality of the batting and bowling. The first ODI’s 297/8 provides a useful benchmark, while the historical venue average remains lower at 240.
A score above 300 would put the batting side in a strong position, while anything around 250 would leave the match much more open.
If Chasing
The historical record slightly favours chasing in terms of total wins, with 29 victories for teams bowling first compared with 22 for teams batting first. However, the second-innings average is substantially lower than the first-innings average.
A target around 275 should remain chaseable if the opening partnership is strong. A target approaching 300 will require a controlled powerplay followed by sustained middle-over scoring.
Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Probability |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 58% |
| Australia | 42% |
Why the Win Percentage?
| Factor | South Africa | Australia | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-order batting | Breetzke, Bavuma, de Kock/Markram | Head, Marsh | South Africa |
| Middle-order batting | Rickelton, Miller, Jansen | Renshaw, Green, Carey/Inglis | Even |
| Finishing | Jansen, Bosch, Miller | Marsh, Green, lower order | Even |
| Powerplay batting | Stronger after Markram return | Very aggressive | Even |
| Middle-over batting | Stronger spin familiarity | Vulnerable to spin in 1st ODI | South Africa |
| Death batting | Jansen provides power | Marsh/Green provide power | Even |
| New-ball bowling | Coetzee/Jansen/Bosch | Starc/Hazlewood/Cummins | Australia |
| Spin bowling | Maharaj/Fortuin | Zampa/part-time options | South Africa |
| Death bowling | Bosch/Coetzee/Jansen | Ellis/Starc/Cummins | Even |
| All-round depth | Markram/Jansen/Bosch | Marsh/Green/Cummins | Even |
| Recent form | Four consecutive ODI wins | Three wins in last five | South Africa |
| Venue suitability | Home conditions | Strong historical record | Even |
| Pitch suitability | Spin plus pace variety | Pace attack suits Wanderers | Even |
| Fielding | Strong | Strong | Even |
| Squad availability | Markram returns | Cummins potentially returns | Even |
| Head-to-head | 58 wins | 52 wins | South Africa |
| Home advantage | Yes | — | South Africa |
The first major reason for South Africa’s 58% estimate is the direct evidence from Durban. Their bowling unit found a way to dismiss Australia after the visitors had reached 124/1, and Maharaj’s 4/20 demonstrated a tactical weakness Australia must solve.
The second factor is the return of Markram. South Africa won the opening ODI without him, so adding another experienced top-order/all-round option increases their batting flexibility.
Australia’s biggest counterweight is the return of Cummins and the suitability of the Wanderers for their pace attack. Starc and Hazlewood should have more opportunity to exploit bounce and carry than they had in Durban.
Key ODI Player Matchups
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke vs Mitchell Starc | Breetzke scored 112 in the first ODI, while Starc is one of Australia’s most dangerous new-ball weapons. An early wicket could prevent another major South African innings. |
| Travis Head vs Keshav Maharaj | Head made 36 in Durban before South Africa’s spinners changed the game. Maharaj’s left-arm angle will again be important against Australia’s aggressive top order. |
| Aiden Markram vs Josh Hazlewood | Markram’s expected return adds another high-quality batter, while Hazlewood’s accuracy can challenge him during the powerplay and early middle overs. |
Key Batting & Bowling Targets
Expected Top Batter
Matthew Breetzke — He enters Johannesburg after scoring 112 in the opening ODI and has maintained an exceptional start to his ODI career.
Expected Top Bowler
Keshav Maharaj — His 4/20 was the defining bowling performance in Durban, and Australia’s difficulty against left-arm spin makes him a major tactical threat again.
Potential X-Factor
Aiden Markram — His return changes South Africa’s batting balance and gives them another player capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction 2nd ODI
South Africa are narrowly favoured to beat Australia in the second ODI and secure a 2-0 series victory. The analytical estimate gives South Africa a 58% winning probability, with Australia at 42%.
The Proteas have the immediate advantage of a 1-0 lead, home conditions and the return of Aiden Markram after missing the first match. Their biggest tactical advantage is the combination of Maharaj and Fortuin, particularly after Australia’s middle-order collapse against spin in Durban.
Australia should be significantly more competitive with Pat Cummins available and a Wanderers surface that can reward their fast bowlers. A first-innings score around 280–290 should provide a strong platform.
What Could Prove Us Wrong?
- Australia’s top order converts another fast start: Marsh and Head put on 90 in Durban. If Australia again reach 80–100 without losing a wicket, South Africa’s spin attack will face a very different game.
- Pat Cummins and the pace attack dominate early: Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins can exploit Wanderers’ bounce. If Breetzke and Markram fall early, South Africa could struggle to build another 290-plus total.
- Keshav Maharaj is neutralised: If Australia’s batters attack Maharaj effectively rather than allowing him to control the middle overs, one of South Africa’s biggest tactical advantages disappears.
- Aiden Markram fails after returning: Markram’s availability improves South Africa’s balance, but his inclusion alone does not guarantee runs. An early dismissal would leave Breetzke, Bavuma and the middle order carrying much of the workload.
- Wanderers becomes a high-scoring batting surface: If the pitch plays faster than expected and the ball comes cleanly onto the bat, Australia’s aggressive batting style could become a major advantage, particularly during the powerplay and death overs.
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