Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2025 Match Preview

Date & Time: Sunday, 24 August 2025, 05:30 GMT (10:00 AM IST)
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, Queensland
Series: South Africa Tour of Australia, 2025 – 3rd ODI
Format: One Day International (ODI)
Series Status: South Africa lead the series 2-0

Match Preview

As the South Africa tour of Australia 2025 reaches its climax, the 3rd and final ODI between Australia and South Africa is set to be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. With the Proteas having already clinched the series after two dominant victories, this match presents a chance for Australia to show some fight and salvage pride on home soil.

South Africa have been in red-hot form, securing a 98-run win in the 1st ODI and an 84-run victory in the 2nd. The visitors have showcased clinical performances with both bat and ball, with standout performances from Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, and Lungi Ngidi. Meanwhile, Australia have been in a batting slump, being bowled out for under 200 in four consecutive ODIs — a concerning trend for the home side.

Despite the pressure, this match could be a turning point for the Aussies, especially if key players like Josh Inglis, Travis Head, and Ben Dwarshuis (returning to the XI) deliver under pressure.

Team News & Probable Lineups

Australia (Probable XI):

• Travis Head
• Mitchell Marsh (c)
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Cameron Green
• Josh Inglis
• Alex Carey (wk)
• Xavier Bartlett
• Nathan Ellis
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Adam Zampa
• Josh Hazlewood

Key Change: The return of Ben Dwarshuis could provide a much-needed boost to Australia's bowling attack.

South Africa (Probable XI):

• Ryan Rickelton
• Aidan Markram (c)
• Tony de Zorzi
• Matthew Breetzke
• Tristan Stubbs
• Dewald Brevis (wk)
• Vian Mulder
• Senuran Muthusamy
• Keshav Maharaj
• Andre Burger
• Lungi Ngidi

South Africa are expected to name the same side that secured the series, with Markram and Ngidi leading the charge.

Pitch & Weather Conditions

• Pitch: The pitch at the Great Barrier Reef Arena is expected to be balanced, offering some assistance to pacers early on while remaining decent for batters. The recent ODIs have produced high-scoring games, with a total of 470 runs and 20 wickets in the last match.
• Weather: Clear skies are expected with temperatures around 26°C, making for ideal cricketing conditions with no threat of rain.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

• Last 3 Matches (2025 Series):
  • South Africa: 2 wins
  • Australia: 0 wins
• South Africa's ODI Form: Confident and clinical, with a disciplined bowling attack and a well-balanced batting lineup.
• Australia's ODI Form: Struggling with the bat, but their bowling unit has the potential to turn the tide if given a decent start.

Key Players to Watch

Match Prediction

Despite Australia's home advantage, South Africa are the firm favorites to win the match based on their recent form and superior performance across the series. However, this could be a match where the underdog spirit of the Aussies shines through, especially if they can capitalize on early wickets and build a competitive total.

Predicted Winner: South Africa
Toss Prediction: South Africa to win the toss and choose to bowl first.
Score Prediction:

• Australia: 260–280
• South Africa: 270–290

Dream11 Suggestion

Captain Pick: Aidan Markram (South Africa)
Vice-Captain Pick: Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
Must-Haves: Matthew Breetzke, Josh Inglis, Keshav Maharaj, Cameron Green

Summary Table