Australia vs South Africa 2nd ODI 2025 Match Preview – August 22, 05:30 GMT

Match Details

• Teams: Australia vs South Africa
• Match: 2nd ODI
• Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
• Time: 05:30 GMT
• Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
• Broadcast: Star Sports Network, JioCinema

Weather Forecast

• Conditions: Partly cloudy
• Temperature: 17°C
• Humidity: 100%
• Wind: 8 km/h
• Rain Probability: 0%

The weather looks favorable for a full game, with no interruptions expected due to rain.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena is known for being batsman-friendly, offering good carry and true bounce. Historically, teams have scored in the range of 280-290 runs on this surface. Given the nature of the pitch, it's likely that the winning team will choose to bowl first, following the trend set at this venue.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 111
• Australia Wins: 51
• South Africa Wins: 56
• No Result: 1
• Tie: 3

South Africa holds a slight edge in the overall series, and they are aiming to continue their success in Australia after a recent resurgence.

Team Form and Analysis

Australia:

• Recent Form (Last 6 ODIs): Loss, Loss, Win, Loss, Loss

• Australia’s form has been inconsistent, with five losses in their last six matches. Despite this, they still have key players like Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Ben Dwarshuis who can turn the game around.

• Key Players to Watch:

  • Mitchell Marsh – All-rounder and captain, expected to be the top run-scorer.
  • Ben Dwarshuis – Fast bowler with the ability to pick up crucial wickets.

• Predicted Playing XI:

  • Travis Head
  • Cooper Connolly
  • Marnus Labuschagne
  • Josh Inglis
  • Alex Carey
  • Ben Dwarshuis
  • Adam Zampa
  • Nathan Ellis
  • Mitchell Marsh
  • Cameron Green
  • Xavier Bartlett

South Africa:

• Recent Form (Last 6 ODIs): Win, Loss, Win, Win, Loss

• South Africa have been in good form, especially on this tour of Australia. The spin department led by Keshav Maharaj has been a key strength, and the middle order has been reliable.

• Key Players to Watch:

  • Aiden Markram – Consistent all-rounder, expected to be the top scorer.
  • Keshav Maharaj – Spin wizard, now the number one ODI bowler in the ICC rankings.
  • Kagiso Rabada – Pace spearhead, capable of causing early damage.

• Predicted Playing XI:

  • Temba Bavuma (Captain)
  • Matthew Breetzke
  • Aiden Markram
  • Rassie van der Dussen
  • Ryan Rickelton (Wicketkeeper)
  • Wiaan Mulder
  • Tristan Stubbs
  • Kagiso Rabada
  • Corbin Bosch
  • Keshav Maharaj
  • Lungi Ngidi

Match Prediction & Betting Tips

• Winning Chances:

  • Australia: 67%
  • South Africa: 33%

• Betting Odds (Parimatch):

  • Australia to Win: 1.49
  • South Africa to Win: 2.61

• Key Predictions:

  • Aiden Markram to score over 27.5 runs
  • South Africa to score over 26.5 runs for the first wicket
  • Australia to hit more sixes
  • Toss Decision: Both teams are likely to bowl first if they win the toss.

Match Outlook

This is a crucial match in the 2025 ODI series, with South Africa aiming to continue their recent momentum and Australia looking to bounce back after a poor run.

Australia will rely on their aggressive batting and pace attack, led by Mitchell Marsh and Ben Dwarshuis. They need to find consistency in their middle order to post competitive totals.

South Africa, on the other hand, have found form at the right time. With spinners in their arsenal and a strong middle order, they are well-equipped to exploit the Mackay pitch. Keshav Maharaj’s recent 5-wicket haul against Australia is a sign of their growing confidence.

Despite the slight edge in the win probability, Australia remain the favorites due to their experience and depth. However, South Africa have the tools and momentum to push for a win and potentially take the series.

Final Prediction:

• Score Prediction: Australia 320/6 vs South Africa 315/8
• Result Prediction: Australia Win by 5 runs

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Disclaimer: This match preview is based on current form, past performance, and expert analysis. The outcome may vary due to in-game conditions and player performance.
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