David Miller’s career-best 142 and Temba Bavuma’s century powered South Africa to a sixth successive bilateral ODI series win over Australia, while their spinners exposed Australia’s struggles in the chase.

South Africa sealed another ODI series victory over Australia after defending a formidable total at the Wanderers, completing a sixth consecutive bilateral series win against their rivals.

The match was played in front of a vibrant Pink Day crowd, with the annual fixture supporting breast cancer awareness and treatment. South Africa have now won 10 of the 14 Pink Day matches held at the venue.

This year’s occasion carried additional significance, with players wearing shirts bearing the names of breast cancer fighters and survivors instead of their own. David Miller wore the name of his mother, Jenny, and responded with a career-best 142 to lead South Africa’s charge.

Miller and Bavuma Set the Platform

South Africa were in early trouble after Aiden Markram was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood from the first ball of the innings.

Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock then looked to rebuild, although de Kock’s promising start ended when he nicked off for 20. Bavuma continued to attack and combined with Matthew Breetzke for a 57-run partnership before Breetzke fell to Jack Edwards.

Miller joined Bavuma and the pair transformed the innings.

The fourth-wicket duo added 156 runs, with Bavuma bringing up his century at his home ground — his first ODI hundred at the venue. He scored 100 from 112 deliveries before falling to Edwards.

Miller then took centre stage.

Miller Produces a Career-Best 142

Miller reached his century from just 73 balls, dedicating the moment to his mother Jenny before continuing his assault on the Australian attack.

He accelerated dramatically in the closing stages, scoring 39 runs from his next 20 deliveries and eventually reaching a career-best 142.

Marco Jansen provided valuable support with a quick 46-run sixth-wicket stand before Edwards dismissed him for 23. Miller continued to attack alongside Duan Jansen before finally falling to Edwards, who completed the first five-wicket haul of his List A career.

Duan Jansen added a brisk 27 from 18 balls as South Africa finished with a daunting total.

Australia Make a Flying Start

Australia’s chase began impressively.

Mitch Marsh and Travis Head launched an aggressive opening assault, putting together 130 runs from 17 overs. Marsh was particularly destructive, reaching his half-century from just 32 balls and striking five sixes.

However, his dismissal to Bjorn Fortuin changed the momentum.

Head reached 50 from 55 balls but was eventually trapped lbw by Aiden Markram after being given a reprieve when Fortuin dropped a difficult chance.

From there, South Africa’s spinners took control.

Spin Turns the Match

Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and Markram combined effectively as Australia struggled to maintain the required scoring rate.

Maharaj dismissed Alex Carey and Matt Renshaw, while Markram removed Head and Cameron Green. Australia lost six wickets for 121 runs between the 17th and 40th overs, leaving the chase in serious trouble.

Nathan Ellis’ injury made the situation even more difficult for Australia. After bowling only four overs, the fast bowler left the field with a side strain, further reducing their bowling resources and leaving Australia with concerns over his availability.

Jack Edwards and Xavier Bartlett briefly revived Australia’s hopes with a 61-run seventh-wicket partnership. Bartlett reached a rapid half-century from 26 balls, but Australia ran out of partners in the closing stages.

Edwards was eventually dismissed by Lizaad Williams, while South Africa wrapped up the innings with two balls remaining.

Edwards’ Five-for Provides a Consolation

Despite Australia’s defeat, Edwards enjoyed a memorable outing with the ball.

Playing in only his second ODI, he claimed 5 wickets, recording the first five-wicket haul of his List A career. His wickets included Breetzke, Bavuma, Stubbs, Miller and Duan Jansen.

However, South Africa’s batting depth and disciplined spin attack ultimately proved decisive.

The victory gives South Africa a 6-0 record in their last six bilateral ODI series against Australia, while Australia head into the final match of the series with injury concerns and questions over their ability to counter spin.

The teams will now turn their attention to the next fixture in Potchefstroom.