The ODI series between South Africa and Australia heads into the second match with the hosts holding the advantage after a commanding performance in the series opener. In the first ODI at Bloemfontein, South Africa claimed a resounding 98-run victory, with Keshav Maharaj producing a match-winning spell of left-arm spin that broke Australia’s middle order resistance and earned him the Man of the Match award. With the Proteas now leading 1-0 in the three-match series, they will be determined to seal the contest in Durban, while Australia face a must-win scenario to keep the series alive.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can follow the action live on PTV Sports in Pakistan, Sony Liveand FanCode in India, and Willow TV in the USA. The match begins at 1:00 PM local time, corresponding to 4:30 PM IST, 4:00 PM PST, and 11:00 AM GMT.
Team Analysis
South Africa enter the game with confidence and momentum. Their top order, led by captain Aiden Markram and the experienced Quinton de Kock, provided a strong platform in the first match, while the middle order added the runs needed to post a competitive total. In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje troubled Australia’s top order with pace and bounce, while Maharaj controlled the middle overs and turned the match firmly in South Africa’s favour. With Klaasen and Miller offering firepower in the lower order, the Proteas look well-balanced and will aim to replicate their all-round display.
For Australia, the situation is more complicated. Their batting unit struggled to adapt, with the top order failing to lay a foundation against Rabada’s pace and Maharaj’s spin. Travis Head and Josh Inglis will be key figures in stabilising the innings early on, while Glenn Maxwell and Tim David will need to deliver with their middle-order hitting to counter South Africa’s bowling attack. On the bowling side, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins showed glimpses of threat with the new ball, but the attack lost control as the innings progressed. Adam Zampa, outshone by Maharaj in the spin department, will need to find rhythm and impact if Australia are to challenge South Africa’s batting depth.
Match Insights and Conclusion
The 2nd ODI is set up as a must-win contest for the visitors. Australia must find a way to negotiate South Africa’s spin threat and rebuild their batting confidence, while ensuring that their bowlers maintain discipline in the middle overs. For South Africa, maintaining their intensity and exploiting their advantage with both spin and pace could seal the series with one game to spare. Conditions in Bloemfontein are expected to provide a balance between bat and ball, with assistance for fast bowlers under the afternoon sun and grip for spinners later in the match.
As the home crowd rallies behind them, South Africa start as favourites, buoyed by their commanding display in the first ODI. Yet Australia, wounded and under pressure, will be eager to mount a strong fightback. The second ODI promises intensity, tactical battles, and high stakes, as South Africa look to close out the series and Australia fight for survival.
