South Africa has already clinched the series following their 84-run victory in the second ODI. The Proteas will be looking to complete a clean sweep, while Australia desperately needs a victory to avoid a 3-0 whitewash on home soil.
South Africa’s dominant performances in the first two matches have extended their remarkable run of bilateral ODI series victories over Australia to five consecutive series wins.
Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Australia vs South Africa ODI Series 2025 (3rd ODI) |
| Date | Sunday, August 24, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM Local |
| Venue | Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay |
Recent Form Analysis
Australia (Last 5 ODI Matches)
| Match | Opposition | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI vs South Africa | South Africa | Lost | 84 runs |
| 1st ODI vs South Africa | South Africa | Lost | 98 runs |
| Champions Trophy Semi-Final | India | Lost | 4 wickets |
| Champions Trophy | Afghanistan | No Result | – |
| Champions Trophy | England | Won | 5 wickets |
South Africa (Last 5 ODI Matches)
| Match | Opposition | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI vs Australia | Australia | Won | 84 runs |
| 1st ODI vs Australia | Australia | Won | 98 runs |
| Champions Trophy Semi-Final | New Zealand | Lost | 50 runs |
| Champions Trophy | England | Won | 7 wickets |
| Champions Trophy | Australia | Abandoned | – |
Australia’s struggles have continued, with its batting lineup failing to perform consistently. For the first time since 2009, they have lost four consecutive ODIs at home. South Africa, meanwhile, has been outstanding in both the batting and bowling departments.
Head-to-Head Record (Recent Series)
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 22, 2025 | Mackay | South Africa won by 84 runs |
| Aug 19, 2025 | Cairns | South Africa won by 98 runs |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Rawalpindi | Match Abandoned |
| Nov 16, 2023 | Kolkata | Australia won by 3 wickets |
| Oct 12, 2023 | Lucknow | South Africa won by 134 runs |
South Africa has now won 5 of their last 6 completed ODIs against Australia, showcasing their dominance in this fixture. The series scoreline of 2-0 puts the Proteas on the verge of clean sweeping Australia!
Pitch Analysis and Predicted Score
The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay has proven to be a decent surface for batting, particularly in the first innings. The pitch also offers good assistance to fast bowlers due to its proximity to the ocean, with early movement available with a new ball.
Key Pitch Characteristics:
- Good surface to bat on, but bowlers get assistance early.
- Fast bowlers benefit throughout the innings
- Spinners can be effective if they hit the right spots
- Batting second has been challenging
- First innings scores around 270-280 seem competitive
The second ODI saw South Africa post 277, which proved more than adequate as Australia was bowled out for just 193. The surface tends to become more difficult as the match progresses.
- Toss Factor: Bowling first remains the preferred option, as chasing has proven difficult at this venue.
- Predicted Score Range: 260-290 runs
Players to Watch
Australia
 |  |  |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Mitchell Marsh | Josh Inglis |
- Josh Inglis: The standout performer in the second ODI with 87 runs, showing he can anchor an innings and play aggressive cricket when needed.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Under immense pressure after another failure (1 run in the second ODI). His ODI form has been concerning and he desperately needs a big score to justify his position.
- Mitchell Marsh: The captain needs to lead from the front after Australia’s batting collapses. His leadership and ability to play spin will be important in steadying the innings.
South Africa
 |  |  |
| Tristan Stubbs | Temba Bavuma | Matthew Breetzke |
- Matthew Breetzke: The big story of the series, becoming the first player in ODI history to score 50+ in his first four ODI matches. His 88 in the second ODI showcased his class and temperament.
- Tristan Stubbs: Finally found form with 74 in the second match, his first fifty in international cricket after 16 innings. His partnership with Breetzke (89 runs) was crucial to South Africa’s total.
- Temba Bavuma: The captain was rested for workload management in the second ODI but could return for the series finale, providing stability to the middle order.
Team Changes and Squad News
Australia might consider bringing back Ben Dwarshuis, who was rested for the second ODI, to add depth to their bowling attack. The batting order may see changes as they desperately search for a winning combination.
South Africa have the luxury of potentially resting some key players, having already won the series. However, they may be keen to complete a whitewash and could field their strongest available XI. Captain Temba Bavuma could return after being rested, while the bowling attack that has served them well is likely to remain unchanged
Win Prediction between Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI
Prediction: Australia to win by 25-30 runs
While South Africa has dominated the series, the absence of both Ngidi and Burger significantly changes the dynamic of this final match. Australia’s batting lineup, led by Josh Inglis who showed excellent form in the second ODI, should find it easier against a weakened South African bowling attack.
With the series already lost, there’s also less pressure on the Australian batsmen, which could help them play more freely. South Africa’s batting remains strong, but without their key pace bowlers, who troubled Australia throughout the series, they may struggle to defend totals as effectively as before.