Published on: Aug 21, 2025 1:09 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 21, 2025 1:09 pm IST
The Australians were ripped apart by Keshav Maharaj in the first ODI. In the course of his career-best performance, the left-arm spinner dismantled Australia’s batting unit by picking up 5 wickets in a span of four overs. After what transpired with the Aussies in the first ODI in Cairns, they will be out for redemption in the second game at the Great Barrier Reef in Mackay.
Put into bat first on a sluggish wicket by Mitchell Marsh, the Proteas rode on some brilliant batting displays from Aiden Markram (82 off 81), skipper Temba Bavuma (65 off 74), and Matthew Breetzke (57 off 56). The three fifty-plus scores help South Africa post a daunting total of 296 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs on a wicket that was slowing down as the match progressed.
A total close to 300 is always a daunting one on a tacky surface, and Australian batting stumbled badly courtesy of a heroic effort from Keshav Maharaj. Maharaj’s career best figures of 5 for 33 in 10 overs broke the backbone of Australia’s chase, and South Africa went 1-0 up in the 3-match series.
The two teams are all set to collide on the 22nd of August at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay for the second ODI. The venue will remain the same for the third ODI as well. The hosts are under the pump after losing the first game by a havoc margin of 98 runs. They need to turn the tables around in the second ODI to not only win it but also to stay alive in the three-match series and avoid their third straight ODI series defeat.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the AUS vs SA Dream11 prediction.
Also Read: AUS vs SA Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: South Africa Tour of Australia, 2nd ODI, August 22
Date: 22nd August 2025 Time: 10:00 AM IST Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Matches Played: 111 AUS won: 51 SA won: 56 No Result: 1 Tied: 3
With a win in the last fixture, South Africa has extended their lead in the head-to-head battle over Australia. Now, in 111 ODIs played between the two sides, Australia has 51 wins to their name, whereas South Africa has registered 56 wins. One match was abandoned due to persistent rains, and 3 games were tied between the two.
The pitch at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay for the 2nd ODI between Australia and South Africa is expected to be batting-friendly, with scores in the 280–290 range considered competitive. The surface offers decent bounce and true carry, allowing batters to play through the line with confidence. Early on, seamers may find some movement, especially under humid conditions, but the pitch tends to flatten out as the game progresses. Spinners could come into play during the middle overs, particularly if the surface dries out under the sun. Notably, all three ODIs previously played at this venue were won by teams bowling first, suggesting a chasing advantage. With a well-maintained outfield and short boundaries, strokeplay should flourish, making this a venue where batters can dominate if they survive the initial swing.
Check out the ODI stats at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay,
AUS vs SA Team News and Expected Playing XI
AUS Expected Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie/Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett/Josh Hazlewood
SA Expected Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy/Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
As per the betting odds provided by top bookies, the hosts, Australia, are the favorites to win this contest and make it 1-1 in the three-match series.
The clash between South Africa and Australia will take place on Friday, August 22 at 10:00 AM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the JioHotstar app. The TV live streaming will take place on Star Sports Channels.
Wicket-keepers: Ryan Rickelton, Alex Carey Batters: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh All-Rounders: Aiden Markram Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
C/VC Options- Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Adam Zampa, Travis Head