Australia won by 45 runs (DLS) against South Africa in the third ODI on Wednesday, September 30, with Alex Carey earning Player of the Match honours for his 74. Australia posted 322/9 from 50 overs, while South Africa finished on 145/4 after 28 overs. The victory narrowed South Africa’s ODI series advantage, but the hosts secured the three-match contest 2-1.

Carey leads Australia to 322

Carey’s 74 provided Australia’s highest individual contribution, with Mitchell Marsh adding 56 and Oliver Peake making 48. Together, those three innings supplied 178 runs, giving Australia the substance needed to reach 322 despite losing nine wickets.

South Africa continued to take wickets, with Corbin Bosch claiming four and Lizaad Williams and Gerald Coetzee collecting two apiece. Those returns ensured Australia’s batting effort was not entirely one-way traffic, but Carey, Marsh and Peake still helped establish a substantial total.

The bowling figures recorded at the 41.1-over stage showed Bosch with 2/34 from six overs and Coetzee with 1/53 from 7.1 overs. Williams was then wicketless with 0/33 from four overs, while Bjorn Fortuin had 1/35 from seven. Bosch, Williams and Coetzee subsequently increased their wicket tallies as Australia completed their innings.

Rickelton stands out in South Africa’s reply

Ryan Rickelton supplied the backbone of South Africa’s response with 71, comfortably ahead of Matthew Breetzke’s 25 and Aiden Markram’s 15. Rickelton contributed almost half of the hosts’ recorded total, but Australia shared the four wickets between Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa, who claimed two each.

South Africa’s innings ended at 145/4 after 28 overs, with the result recorded as a 45-run Australian victory under DLS. Carey’s contribution with the bat, backed by Marsh’s half-century and the wicket-taking work of Bartlett and Zampa, gave the tourists their first win of the ODI series.

Key performers

  • Alex Carey: 74 runs and Player of the Match.
  • Mitchell Marsh and Oliver Peake: 56 and 48 runs respectively for Australia.
  • Ryan Rickelton: South Africa’s highest scorer with 71; Matthew Breetzke added 25 and Aiden Markram 15.
  • Corbin Bosch: Four wickets overall, having recorded 2/34 from six overs at the 41.1-over stage.
  • Lizaad Williams and Gerald Coetzee: Two wickets each overall; their figures at that stage were 0/33 from four overs and 1/53 from 7.1 overs respectively.
  • Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa: Two wickets apiece in South Africa’s reply.

NerdSports Stat: Carey, Marsh and Peake combined for 178 runs — 33 more than South Africa’s entire recorded total of 145.

South Africa take the ODI honours; Tests next

South Africa had already won the opening ODI by 67 runs on September 24 and the second by 32 runs on September 27. Australia’s victory therefore reduced the deficit rather than levelling the contest: South Africa finished the ODI series as 2-1 winners.

The Australia tour of South Africa 2026/27 now moves to Test cricket. The first Test begins on October 9, followed by Tests starting on October 18 and October 27, giving Australia an opportunity to carry this winning finish into the longer format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between South Africa and Australia?

Australia won the match by 45 runs (DLS).

Who was the Player of the Match?

Alex Carey was named Player of the Match for his 74 runs in Australia’s total of 322/9.

What is the series standing after this match?

South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2-1. Australia’s victory in the final ODI narrowed the margin without levelling the series.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Alex Carey top-scored with 74 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

South Africa face Australia in the first Test starting on Friday, October 9, 2026.