South Africa have won the 2nd ODI by just 32 runs from Australia. Timba Bavuma and Miller hit centuries before the Proteas’ spinners shut down Australia’s chase.
South Africa secured the ODI series against Australia with a 32-run victory in the second match.
The hosts posted a massive 365 after batting first.
Australia made a flying start in the chase.
However, South Africa’s bowlers gradually took control.
The visitors were eventually restricted to 333, giving the Proteas an unassailable series lead with one game remaining.
South Africa did not enjoy the ideal beginning with the bat.
Both openers departed early.
The hosts were under pressure at 36/2.
Temba Bavuma and David Miller then changed the course of the innings.
The pair produced a superb 156-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Bavuma anchored the innings with a captain’s hundred. He scored 103. Miller was even more aggressive at the other end. He smashed 142 to push South Africa towards a huge total in 2nd ODI against Australia.
Their partnership transformed the innings. South Africa eventually reached 365.
Australia struggled to contain the Proteas on a batting-friendly surface.
However, Jack Edwards produced an outstanding individual effort.
He claimed a five-wicket haul. Josh Hazlewood also impressed with three wickets. Xavier Bartlett added another breakthrough.
Their efforts prevented South Africa from scoring even more freely.
Nevertheless, Australia still faced a daunting target.
Australia began the chase with real intent.
Mitchell Marsh led the attack.
The Australian captain smashed 84 at a rapid pace.
Travis Head provided stability while maintaining the scoring rate.
He also reached 84.
The opening pair gave Australia an excellent platform.
However, their dismissals changed the match.
The middle order could not maintain the same momentum.
South Africa gradually squeezed the scoring rate.
Their slower bowlers became increasingly difficult to attack.
The spinners claimed five wickets between them.
Lizaad Williams and Marco Jansen also combined for five wickets.
As wickets continued to fall, Australia’s required rate climbed.
Xavier Bartlett offered some late resistance with a half-century.
However, the lower order could not complete the recovery.
Australia finished 32 runs short and South Africa defended their huge total in 2nd ODI successfully. The 32-run victory gives them an unassailable lead in the ODI series.
The hosts can now approach the final match with the series already secured.
Australia, meanwhile, will look to respond in the remaining game. The result belonged to South Africa’s batters early on.
Their bowlers then completed the job with a disciplined second-half performance.