T20

Series Sealed: South Africa Go 2-0 Up and Eye an Australia Whitewash

Published on September 27, 2026

Summary Overview: South Africa beat Australia in the first two ODIs to win the series 2-0 with a game to spare. David Miller's 142 led the way. Can they now complete a whitewash?

Miller Magic! South Africa Clinch the Series and Chase a Clean Sweep

Who leads the series?

South Africa, who have won the first two ODIs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead. The series is already theirs with a game still to play.

Who has starred?

Matthew Breetzke hit a century in the first ODI, and then David Miller and captain Temba Bavuma both scored hundreds in the second.

Can South Africa complete a whitewash?

Yes, the chance is there. A win in the final ODI in Potchefstroom would seal a clean 3-0 sweep of one of the world's best sides.

The Story: The Proteas Turn on the Style

South Africa are sending a powerful message. The reigning World Test Champions have dominated the white-ball part of Australia's tour, winning the first two ODIs to clinch the series 2-0 with a match to spare. Now, playing with all the confidence of a team on top, they are eyeing a rare clean sweep of the Australians.

For readers new to the format: this is a three-match ODI series, so winning the first two guarantees South Africa cannot be beaten overall. The only question left is whether they can make it a perfect 3-0.

First ODI: Breetzke Sets the Tone

South Africa struck first in Durban. Matthew Breetzke anchored their innings with a fine 112, guiding the Proteas to a competitive 297 for 8. Australia's chase never really got going, and they were bowled out for 230, handing South Africa a comfortable 67-run win and an early lead in the series.

Second ODI: A Run Feast in Johannesburg

The second ODI at the Wanderers was a batting spectacle, and South Africa came out on top of a high-scoring thriller. After a shaky start left them at 93 for 3, captain Temba Bavuma (103) and the explosive David Miller rebuilt and then took the game away with a superb 156-run partnership.

Miller was simply sensational, smashing 142 off just 93 balls with nine sixes, one of the innings of the year. His fireworks carried South Africa to a massive 365 for 9. For Australia, young all-rounder Jack Edwards was the surprise star with the ball, taking 5 for 67.

Australia refused to lie down. Openers Mitchell Marsh (84) and Travis Head (84) gave them a flying start with a 130-run stand, and a late cameo of 50 from Xavier Bartlett kept them in the hunt. But the target of 366 was always going to be tough, and they were bowled out for 333, falling 32 runs short. Lizaad Williams (3 for 54) led a well-shared South African bowling effort.

Can South Africa Whitewash Australia?

With the series won, attention now turns to the final ODI in Potchefstroom and the chance of a 3-0 whitewash. It is a genuine possibility.

South Africa's batting is in red-hot form, with three different centurions across the first two games, and their bowling has done just enough on flat pitches. Australia, meanwhile, have been competitive but keep falling short in the key moments, and they will be desperate to avoid the embarrassment of a clean sweep, especially with a big Test series to come.

For the Proteas, a whitewash of Australia would be a statement of intent and a huge confidence boost. For Australia, the final ODI is all about pride and finding some form before the red-ball battles begin.

Series So Far

Match	Venue	Result
1st ODI	Kingsmead, Durban	South Africa won by 67 runs
2nd ODI	The Wanderers, Johannesburg	South Africa won by 32 runs
3rd ODI	Senwes Park, Potchefstroom	To be played

Series: South Africa lead 2-0 (series won).

Stat Corner

Standout Performers So Far

Player	Team	Key Performance
David Miller	South Africa	142 (93), Player of the Match in the 2nd ODI
Matthew Breetzke	South Africa	112, Player of the Match in the 1st ODI
Temba Bavuma	South Africa	103 in the 2nd ODI
Mitchell Marsh	Australia	84 (53) in the 2nd ODI
Jack Edwards	Australia	5 for 67 in the 2nd ODI