Right then, that is it from this rather one-sided affair, where South Africa sealed the series and will be looking for a whitewash, while Australia will play for pride. The 3rd and final ODI will be played on this ground on 24th August, Sunday. It will begin at 4.30 am GMT, but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the game. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Aiden Markram, the victorious skipper of South Africa, says it is a great feeling. He mentions that it is never easy coming to Australia and wrapping up the series in two games. He adds that it was excellent from the boys, and he was sure they were pretty much pumped up in the change room. Says that it is nice when you are not just relying on one or two players and says that he is happy for Ngidi. Mentions that they need to take 10 wickets, but with those dropped catches, they needed to take 13-14, which is not ideal. Ends by saying that they have an opportunity to do things better in the next one.

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh expresses his disappointment with the loss but praises his team's collective effort with the ball. He acknowledges that they fell short with the bat and credits South Africa's exceptional bowling performance, particularly in the early stages of the game, with the ball swinging significantly. Marsh also commends Xavier Bartlett's contribution, noting that despite things not going his way, it was encouraging to see him perform. He ultimately gave credit to South Africa for the win.

Lungi Ngidi is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fantastic fifer. He thanks everyone and says it has been a long tour, and he is happy to put together a performance like that. He mentions that he had to step up, knowing that Rabada was the spearhead of the attack. He felt it was a test of character. They were put under pressure in the Powerplay, and he had to make that count. He added that they gave the opposition a chance, and that is what international cricketers do if they get one. He explains that he bowled cross-seam deliveries, used some pace off the surface, and tried running as hard as possible to break open the game.

Presentation Time...

South Africa were brilliant with the ball and will be delighted with the performance, as Nandre Burger set the tone by removing Head early before Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder struck in the first Powerplay to keep the pressure on. There was a brief phase where a few dropped catches allowed Australia back into the contest, but that was the only time the Proteas looked under strain. The spinners then tightened things up in the middle overs, with Keshav Maharaj keeping it tight despite going wicketless and Senuran Muthusamy chipping in with a couple. Ultimately, it was Ngidi who stole the spotlight with a superb five-wicket haul, continuing his fine run against Australia and sealing the game in style.

South Africa, after opting to bat first, put together a spirited total with Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs stealing the show, both crossing 70 in commanding fashion. Breetzke made the day even more special by scripting history as the first batter to notch four consecutive fifties in his first four ODIs, a dream start by any measure. Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj chipped in with valuable runs to keep the momentum alive, while Australia’s bowlers fought hard - Adam Zampa once again standing tall with three wickets, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Marnus Labuschagne striking twice each, and Josh Hazlewood wrapping things up with one.

Australia were jolted early in the chase as Travis Head departed cheaply, followed by Marnus Labuschagne, who couldn’t make any impact, while Mitchell Marsh, their best batter from the first game, fell after a few lusty blows. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis offered some hope with a steady 67-run stand, but once that was broken, the innings unraveled quickly. Inglis fought bravely with a determined 87, yet found no real support at the other end as wickets kept tumbling under scoreboard pressure. In the end, Australia collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 88 runs, a disappointing effort for a side of their stature, as they went down by a hefty margin of 84 runs.

South Africa have maintained their ODI dominance over Australia with another commanding performance, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead and making it five consecutive series wins over the Kangaroos. The hosts looked in complete control once again, showcasing their depth and belief in this format. For Australia, the absence of a few key players, along with the retirements of Glenn Maxwell and Steven Smith can’t be overlooked, but the bigger concern will be the tough questions that still linger around their ODI setup.

Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.

Adam Zampa comes out to the middle now.