Australia post 322 before rain ends South Africa’s chase, as Bosch’s four wickets cannot prevent a consolation victory

Australia secured a consolation win over South Africa in a rain-affected third ODI at Potchefstroom, ending the series with a victory after the hosts had already secured the series.

After Australia posted 322, half-centuries from Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh provided the foundation before Adam Zampa returned to form with a crucial spell as South Africa’s chase lost momentum.

Rain eventually ended the contest with South Africa 145 for 4 after 28 overs, giving Australia a 45-run DLS victory.

Marsh Sets the Tone

Mitchell Marsh provided Australia’s early impetus, smashing 56 from 42 balls.

He attacked South Africa’s quicks during the powerplay, hitting seven fours and a six as Australia raced away.

Travis Head fell for 24, but Marsh’s aggressive start helped Australia reach 118 for 3 after 17 overs before he was dismissed lbw by Bjorn Fortuin.

Carey Anchors Australia’s Innings

Alex Carey then took control of the middle overs, building important partnerships while keeping the scoreboard moving.

He shared a 73-run fourth-wicket stand with Oliver Peake, who narrowly missed out on a half-century after falling for 48.

Carey reached his first ODI fifty in more than a year from 68 balls, before accelerating late in his innings. He eventually fell for 74, caught after attempting a cut off Corbin Bosch.

Bosch was South Africa’s standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 60, but Australia still reached a competitive 322.

Zampa Turns the Chase

South Africa’s reply began poorly as Xavier Bartlett removed Quinton de Kock for a duck before dismissing Aiden Markram for 15.

Ryan Rickelton provided resistance, reaching a half-century from 48 balls and remaining unbeaten on 71 from 81 when rain intervened.

But Adam Zampa shifted the momentum with two important wickets. He dismissed Matthew Breetzke for 25 and trapped Tristan Stubbs lbw for 14, leaving South Africa struggling at 125 for 4.

Rain Ends South Africa’s Fight

With South Africa needing a substantial partnership to stay in contention, rain arrived and brought the contest to an early conclusion.

After a delayed start, further rain eventually forced the abandonment of play, with South Africa finishing on 145 for 4 after 28 overs.

Australia’s victory prevented South Africa from completing a 3-0 clean sweep, although the hosts had already secured the series with wins in the opening two matches.

The result also gives Australia some momentum heading into the upcoming Test series, with several members of the Test squad featuring in the ODI finale.