South Africa clinched an unassailable 2-0 series lead over Australia on Sunday, securing a 32-run victory at the Wanderers behind centuries from David Miller and Temba Bavuma.
Miller recorded a career-best 142 off 93 balls in the annual Pink Day fixture. The left-hander, currently playing without a national Cricket South Africa (CSA) contract, wore his mother Jenny’s name on his shirt to honor her as a breast cancer survivor. His innings included 12 fours and nine sixes as the Proteas posted a target Australia failed to reach.
Captain Temba Bavuma also scored a century, ensuring South Africa capitalized on Australia’s decision to bowl first for the second consecutive match. The game was also a historical milestone for South African cricket, as twin brothers Marco and Duan Jansen played in the same international XI for the first time.
Australia’s chase lost six wickets for 121 runs between the 17th and 40th overs. Despite the altitude at the Wanderers, the pitch provided assistance for the slow bowlers. Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin, and Aiden Markram shared five wickets as the Australian middle order struggled against spin.
Jack Edwards claimed his maiden international five-wicket haul with figures of 5-67 in only his second ODI appearance. However, the Australian bowling attack lost Nathan Ellis early in the match; the seamer suffered a side strain and was restricted to four overs. He is now a doubt for the remainder of the tour.
“Really disappointing — we came here to ensure the series went to the last game but, fair play to South Africa, ultimately we’ve been outplayed again,” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said. Australia played the fixture without wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was ruled out for the series after fracturing a finger during the first ODI in Durban.
Bavuma noted that “there was a lot more spin than was expected” at the Bullring. The result improves South Africa’s Pink Day record to 10 wins from 14 matches. The teams now travel to Potchefstroom for the third ODI at the JB Marks Oval on Wednesday, September 30.
