The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay will be staging the second ODI of the ongoing series between Australia (AUS) and South Africa (SA) on Friday, August 22. The visiting South African side is already 1-0 up in the three-match assignment, after clinching an outstanding victory in the series opener in Cairns.
Australia showed a promising start to the first match, but a resilient batting display by the South African side meant that they put up a strong 297-run target for the hosts. Their chase also got off to an excellent start, but Keshav Maharaj’s fifer completely dismantled their middle-order, and the ten-over spell by the left-arm spinner handed his side an easy win. Australia will look to bounce back on Friday to keep the series well and truly alive.
Speaking of South Africa, they had performances across departments, with their batters smashing runs against a formidable bowling attack. When it came to defending the target, they were spot on with their line and lengths to snatch away a win. The upcoming contest will provide the Temba Bavuma-led side with a wonderful opportunity to make the series theirs. However, they will be without Prenelan Subrayen, so a change in the line-up is expected.
Match Details
| Match | Australia vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, South Africa tour of Australia 2025 |
| Date and Time | Friday, August 22; 10:00 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay |
| Broadcast and live-streaming | JioStar Network Channels, JioHotstar (App and Website) |
Pitch Report
If weather doesn’t play spoilsport, this will be the first-ever completed men’s international match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. The venue hasn’t hosted a single game since its debut during the 1992 ODI World Cup, which was abandoned. There are minor chances of rain for the second ODI, but it is not likely to interrupt during the entirety of the match timings. Anything around 300-320 can be considered to be a good total, and spinners are likely to play a part in this game, especially when the ball gets older.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 111 |
| South Africa Won | 56 |
| Australia Won | 51 |
| No Result / Tied | 4 |
| First-ever Fixture | February 26, 1992 |
| Most-recent Fixture | August 19, 2025 |
Predicted Playing 11s
Australia
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis
South Africa
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Temba Bavuma
The South African skipper returned from an injury to play the first ODI, and didn’t seem to be in any discomfort to find his rhythm back in the international arena. His crucial half-century and important partnerships were pivotal in the Proteas posting a formidable target on the board. If Bavuma can score similarly in the upcoming contest, the win will certainly be in his side’s favour.
Probable Best Bowler: Keshav Maharaj
Like Bavuma scored with the bat, Keshav Maharaj was equally or even more brilliant with the ball in the middle overs of the chase in the first match. Courtesy of his brilliant 5/33 off 10 overs, South Africa managed a massive 98-run victory in the opening encounter, and with the pitch also expected to act in favour of the spinners, Maharaj could be expected to play a significant role for his side.
Today’s Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match
Scenario 1
- Australia win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay: 80-90
- SA: 300-320
- Australia win the match
Scenario 2
- South Africa win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay: 90-100
- AUS: 280-300
- South Africa win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
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