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South Africa vs Australia First ODI Tips - Hosts could upset the applecart

By Sridhar Bhamidi

06 Sep 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 06 Sep 2023

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South Africa vs Australia First ODI predictions to be played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Thursday evening, IST
South Africa have won their last 8 home ODIs against Australia
South Africa have won 10 of their last 11 ODIs at this venue
Australia have lost 11 of their last 12 ODIs against South Africa
Travis Head has scored a 50 in 6 of his last 12 ODIs
Can South Africa bounce back in the ODIs and start the series well?

Can the South Africans bounce back in the ODIs? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Australia First ODI

South Africa and Australia get into business mode as they start the five-match ODI series in preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup. The first match will be played as a day-night ODI in Bloemfontein on September 7, from 4:30 pm IST onwards.

South Africa vs Australia First ODI
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Australia Form
Australia Team News

Australia have dominated South Africa completely in the T20I series with new captain Mitchell Marsh leading from the start. It is a complete change of personnel too as the teams look to make their final plans for the World Cup. Although it is the visitors who have an upper hand in terms of recent form, I am sticking my neck out and calling it in favour of the Proteas. Back them to win.

South Africa have won their last 8 home matches against Australia (ODIs)
South Africa have won 10 of their last 11 matches at this venue against all teams (ODIs)
Australia have lost 11 of their last 12 matches against South Africa (ODIs)
Travis Head has hit a 50 in 6 of his last 12 matches (ODIs)
Temba Bavuma has hit at least 90 in 3 of his last 5 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

There have been 103 ODIs to date between South Africa and Australia. Of these, the Proteas have won 51 and lost 48 with three ending as ties and one had no result.

The record is equally tight in South Africa with the 46 ODIs in the Rainbow nation between these teams seeing 25 wins for South Africa and 20 wins for Australia.

South Africa Form

South Africa are coming off a 3-0 series loss to Australia in the T20Is. It was with a different team though as they have now declared their World Cup squad.

The last time South Africa played the ODIs was in April 2023 when they defeated Netherlands 3-0 in the series. With the World Cup in mind, Temba Bavuma-led side has seen Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Wayne Parnell released from the squad.

There’s a recall for Keshav Maharaj who has recovered from his injury. Six pacers are picked in the squad and could be vying for game time in this series.

South Africa Team News

South Africa could be rotating their main bowlers through the series while they test the likes of Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen.

Australia Form

Australia are without their regular captain Pat Cummins and a few regulars, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning the T20I series 3-0.

Marsh continues to lead the side which is not a reflection of their preliminary World Cup squad. Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc are part of that squad but are not participating in this series.

That could be a boon for the likes of Nathan Ellis and Aaron Hardie who may use the time in this series to showcase their skills and value to the team.

Australia Team News

Australia are likely to give the fringe players from their World Cup squad a first shot in the series which means Hardie, Tanveer Sangha, Ellis and Inglis could get a game.

South Africa vs Australia First ODI FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs Australia First ODI live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs Australia First ODI live stream.

What time does South Africa vs Australia First ODI start?

This South Africa vs Australia First ODI will be played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on September 7, Thursday starting at 4:30pm IST.

Verdict

Both teams will have their eyes set on the upcoming World Cup but we have seen in the T20 series that Australia are a formidable white ball side. Yet, the return of some settled names should give South Africa a chance to start the series on a high. I am putting my money on the home side to upset the odds. Keep an eye on the market for Head leading the run charts for Australia.