Mitchell Marsh praises Australia after ODI win

Australia captain highlights improved batting and promising signs ahead of the 2027 World Cup

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh praised his side’s progress after Australia comfortably defeated South Africa by 45 runs in the third and final One-Day International in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

Australia posted 322 for nine before rain brought an early end to South Africa’s chase after 28 overs. Under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, Australia were declared winners by 45 runs.

South Africa had already secured the series by winning the opening two matches but were struggling at 145 for four when rain interrupted play, leaving them well behind the required scoring rate.

“I thought the batting showed some real improvement, particularly from a few of our younger players,” Marsh said. “It was a disappointing series, but it was good to finish with a win.”

Marsh said the performance provided encouraging signs ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“It is gradual improvement. We have some players who do not have much experience at this level, especially playing in South Africa against a side that performs very strongly at home.”

Marsh also expressed disappointment that the match could not reach its conclusion. His comments were understandable as Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 71 and was South Africa’s last specialist batsman after Tony de Zorzi suffered a hamstring injury while fielding and could not continue.

With the series already secured, South Africa rested several important players, including captain Temba Bavuma, batsman David Miller and bowlers Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins made his return to ODI cricket, playing his first match in the format since November 2024.

Marsh and Travis Head once again provided Australia with a rapid beginning after stand-in South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to field, with the pair adding 78 runs from 53 deliveries for the opening wicket.

Unlike the first two matches, Australia received useful contributions throughout their batting order, with Alex Carey providing the main support with a composed 74 from 88 balls.

Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout South Africa’s innings. Xavier Bartlett impressed with the new ball, removing Quinton de Kock and Markram during the opening ten-over powerplay.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa bounced back after conceding heavily in the first two games, claiming two wickets for 33 runs from six overs. Cummins also generated good pace and control, finishing with no wickets but conceding just 17 runs from his five overs.

Bavuma, while accepting the series trophy, said South Africa had “definitely made strides” throughout the series. He explained that resting several leading players was intended both to give other members of the squad opportunities and to focus on the three-Test series against Australia beginning in Durban on October 9.

Scores in brief:

Australia: 322-9 in 50 overs (Mitchell Marsh 56, Oliver Peake 48, Alex Carey 74, Matt Renshaw 30; Gerald Coetzee 2-61, Lizaad Williams 2-48, Corbin Bosch 4-60).

South Africa: 145-4 in 28 overs (Ryan Rickelton 71 not out; Xavier Bartlett 2-25, Adam Zampa 2-33).