Published on: Sep 23, 2026 12:48 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 23, 2026 12:50 pm IST
The picturesque Kingsmead in Durban is all set to play host to the first of the three-match ODI series between South Africa and Australia. Two of the most prominent teams in ODI cricket are all set to go on a collision course in three ODIs followed by three Test matches. Both teams have unveiled their best squad for the series, with preparations firmly aligned towards the ultimate prize, i.e., the next year’s ODI World Cup set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 1st ODI, SA vs AUS, at Kingsmead, Durban.
South Africa will be missing two of their key pacers, i.e., Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada, making life easier for the Aussie batters. The absence of the two stalwarts in the bowling lineup for the hosts will be a massive loss, allowing Australia to enter the contest with the favorites tag. Therefore, one can expect the win probability meter to lean in favor of the visitors in this game. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI, SA vs AUS, at Kingsmead, Durban.
SA: 49% win chance AUS: 51% win chance
Mitchell's brute power at the top of the order will be a big aid for the Aussies. He remains a key figure for the visitors in the batting order.
The young left hander have had a decent start to his ODI career, having scored 360 runs across 8 outings at a good average of 45. He remains a key bet in the middle for the Aussies.
In his last 6 ODI outings, the Proteas left-hand batter has scored 353 runs at a magnificent average of 70.6. He loves to punish the pacers and will cherish batting against the Australian pacers.
Matthew has been Proteas' consistent performer in recent times in the format. The right-hander will be a crucial cog in the middle-order for the Proteas.
Check out our prediction for the SA vs AUS 1st ODI match at Kingsmead, Durban.
Australia head into the three‑match ODI series against South Africa with a significant advantage, as the hosts will be without their premier fast‑bowling duo, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Both pacemen have been ruled out of the entire series, leaving South Africa short of firepower in their home conditions at Durban.
For Pat Cummins and his men, this presents a golden opportunity to seize control early. The absence of Rabada’s pace and Ngidi’s accuracy means South Africa’s attack lacks its usual bite, and Australia’s batters will look to capitalize. Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, and Travis Head form a strong batting core capable of exploiting the weakened bowling unit.
On the bowling front, Australia remain well‑stocked with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who can trouble South Africa’s batting lineup with swing and bounce. Cummins’ leadership and tactical nous will be crucial in ensuring Australia maintain pressure throughout the series.
With South Africa under pressure due to key absences, Australia must strike early and set the tone, turning this series into a platform to build momentum ahead of bigger challenges.
South Africa face a stern challenge in their three‑match ODI series against Australia, with their pace attack missing the proven quality of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. In their absence, the responsibility of leading the bowling unit falls on Marco Jansen, whose height and bounce make him a key weapon in Durban’s conditions. He will be supported by youngsters Kwena Maphaka, Duan Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Corbin Bosch, forming an inexperienced pace quartet tasked with containing Australia’s powerful batting lineup.
While the bowling looks vulnerable, South Africa’s batting unit remains formidable. The presence of seasoned campaigners such as David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and skipper Temba Bavuma ensures stability, while Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton add depth and flair. Rising star Tristan Stubbs provides explosive hitting in the middle order, giving the hosts the firepower to post competitive totals.
For South Africa, the key will be to maximize home advantage and back their young pacers to rise to the occasion. If the batting lineup delivers consistently, the inexperienced attack may find the cushion it needs to grow into the series. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 113 AUS won: 52 SA won: 57 No Result: 3 RECENT form AUSTRALIA: W L L L W RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: L W W W W
You rarely see Australia lag behind a team in ODIs in head-to-head contests. That’s the case with the Aussies against the Proteas. In 113 meetings between the two sides, Australia have won 53 games, whereas South Africa have won 57. Three games between the two sides ended as a no result.
How will the two teams, i.e., South Africa and Australia, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green/Jack Edwards, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between Australia and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban:
Kingsmead’s coastal conditions often favor seamers early, with swing and seam movement in the morning. Batting improves as the pitch settles, but chasing teams historically hold the edge here. Expect the toss winner to opt to field first, aiming to exploit early movement and then chase under more stable batting conditions.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the Australia Tour of South Africa 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Eurosport channel.
South Africa should have been the favorite if Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada were available for the series. With two key bowlers missing, the Aussies should consider themselves lucky and have a slight upper hand heading into this contest. Australia, with Mitchell Starc back in the thick of things, should be the favorites heading into this game. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Australia, are expected to win the SA vs AUS 1st ODI match.
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