South Africa Aim to Wrap Up Series Lead Against Australia in Johannesburg

South Africa host Australia in the 2nd ODI at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Following a convincing 67-run victory in the series opener in Durban, the Proteas look to capitalize on their momentum and seal an early 2-0 series win in the three-match ODI series.

South Africa's Momentum: The hosts hold a 1-0 lead after posting 297/8 in Durban, driven by a brilliant century from Matthew Breetzke (112) and all-round fireworks from Marco Jansen (75 runs & key catch). Keshav Maharaj sealed the win with outstanding figures of 4/20.

Leadership & Team Selection:

South Africa: Interest surrounds whether regular ODI skipper Aiden Markram will return to the XI or if Temba Bavuma continues to lead. The Proteas remain without key frontline pacers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Ottneil Baartman due to injuries.

Australia: Captain Pat Cummins, who was rested in the first ODI, could return as Australia carefully manages the workloads of their core pace trio (Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood).

Injury & Wicketkeeping Shake-Up: Australia's Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series after sustaining a fractured right index finger in Durban. Alex Carey steps in to take over the gloves behind the stumps.

Aussies Seeking Equalizer: Australia showed flashes of brilliance during their 230-run chase in the first game, powered by Mitchell Marsh's explosive 60 off 36 balls. The visitors will need greater stability from their middle order to level the series at 1-1 and force a decider in Potchefstroom.

Expected Lineups

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c) / Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj.

Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Jack Edwards, Pat Cummins / Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.