South Africa clinched the three-match ODI series against Australia with a 32-run victory in the second game at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The Proteas scored 365-9 in their 50 overs before bowling Australia out for 333 in 49.5 overs, securing the series 2-0 with one match remaining.
David Miller was the standout performer, hitting a career-best 142 off 93 balls, while captain Temba Bavuma contributed a composed 103 off 116 deliveries. The duo shared a pivotal 156-run partnership for the fourth wicket after early wickets had left the team under pressure. Australian bowler Jack Edwards took 5-67 in a spirited but ultimately insufficient bowling effort.
Australia’s chase featured strong innings of 84 runs each from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head but could not withstand the sustained pressure from South Africa’s bowlers. Lizaad Williams was the pick of the Proteas’ bowling attack with figures of 3-54.
The match was played as South Africa’s annual Pink Day ODI, with the Proteas donning pink kits to raise awareness for breast cancer. Miller’s shirt carried the name of his mother, Jenny, as a tribute to her battle with cancer, highlighting the personal significance behind the event.
Speaking after the game, Bavuma praised the team’s all-round effort: “It was another really good all-round team performance. It started with the bat. Conditions were a little tricky up front but we managed to get through that period and build towards a good total. David played an unbelievable innings and then the bowlers did their job as well.”
Despite the loss, Mitchell Marsh acknowledged areas for improvement in the Australian setup: “It’s certainly an area where we need to improve and we’re well aware of that. I thought we set up our innings really well in both games but we haven’t been able to execute during those middle phases.”
This victory extends South Africa’s dominance over Australia in ODI bilateral series, marking the sixth consecutive series win since 2016/17. Australia have not claimed a bilateral ODI series against the Proteas since 2014, underlining the challenge they face in overcoming their southern rivals.
The Pink Day match at the Wanderers remains a significant sporting and social event, combining high-level cricket with a platform to promote breast cancer awareness nationally. While precise fundraising totals from the event are not yet confirmed, the symbolic nature of the match resonates widely across South African sporting communities.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor updates ahead of the series-deciding third ODI, set to take place later this week in Johannesburg.