The highly anticipated clash between Australia and South Africa is set to take place on August 22, 2025, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland, as part of the World One Day International series. This second ODI of the three-match series promises intense competition, with both teams looking to gain momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The match starts at 04:30 GMT+0, with no specific referee information available, but the venue’s history suggests a balanced pitch, potentially favoring teams batting first due to scoreboard pressure. The World One Day International is a key preparation stage for both sides, with Australia aiming to rebound from their recent 98-run loss and South Africa seeking to maintain their edge.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
To make informed Australia vs South Africa betting tips, understanding recent performances and head-to-head encounters is crucial. The Australia vs South Africa prediction today hinges on current form, key player contributions, and venue-specific trends. Both teams have shown strengths and weaknesses in their recent T20I and ODI outings. South Africa’s spin attack, led by Keshav Maharaj, proved dominant in the first ODI, while Australia’s batting relies heavily on Mitchell Marsh. This section sets the stage for a detailed look at their form and past clashes.
Australia Results
Australia’s recent ODI form has been inconsistent, with only three win in their last 11 matches, making this series critical for rebuilding confidence. The team’s batting collapsed dramatically in the first ODI against South Africa, but their T20I series showed resilience. Key players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh remain pivotal for their success.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 19/08/2025 | ODI | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 98 runs | L |
| 16/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 2 wickets | W |
| 12/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 53 runs | L |
| 10/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 17 runs | W |
| 29/07/2025 | T20I | West Indies vs Australia | AUS won by 3 wickets | W |
Australia’s heavy defeat in the first ODI exposed vulnerabilities in their middle order, particularly against spin, with Keshav Maharaj taking 5 wickets. Their T20I wins show they can chase under pressure, as seen in close victories against South Africa and West Indies. However, their batting needs to stabilize early to counter South Africa’s bowling depth. Mitchell Marsh’s 88 in the first ODI was a lone bright spot, but others must step up. The team’s ability to adapt to Mackay’s conditions will be crucial.
South Africa Results
South Africa enter the match with momentum after a commanding 98-run victory in the first ODI, showcasing their bowling strength. Their T20I series against Australia was competitive, splitting the series 1-1 before losing the decider. The Proteas are bolstered by the return of senior players like Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 19/08/2025 | ODI | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 98 runs | W |
| 16/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 2 wickets | L |
| 12/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 53 runs | W |
| 10/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 17 runs | L |
| 26/07/2025 | T20I | New Zealand vs South Africa | NZ won by 3 runs | L |
South Africa’s first ODI win highlighted their bowling prowess, with Keshav Maharaj’s 5-33 dismantling Australia’s top order. Their batting, led by players like Ryan Rickelton, has been consistent in recent ODIs. The Proteas’ ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions gives them an edge. However, their T20I losses suggest vulnerabilities against aggressive batting in high-pressure chases. The team’s depth and experience make them formidable in Mackay.
Australia vs South Africa Head-to-Head Results
The rivalry between Australia and South Africa is one of cricket’s fiercest, with 110 ODI encounters producing 55 wins for South Africa, 51 for Australia, three ties, and one no-result. Their recent matches have been closely contested, with South Africa holding a slight edge in ODIs. The head-to-head record in Australia is evenly split at 19 wins each, setting the stage for a tight battle.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 19/08/2025 | ODI | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 98 runs |
| 16/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 2 wickets |
| 12/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 53 runs |
| 10/08/2025 | T20I | Australia vs South Africa | AUS won by 17 runs |
| 11/06/2025 | TEST | Australia vs South Africa | SA won by 5 wickets |
South Africa’s dominance in the first ODI and their Test win in June show their ability to outperform Australia in crucial moments. However, Australia’s T20I victories indicate they can exploit South Africa’s bowling under pressure. The balanced H2H record in Australia suggests Mackay’s conditions could be decisive.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Australia vs South Africa Cricket Match
The following table outlines the predicted starting lineups for the Australia vs South Africa ODI on August 22, 2025, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. These lineups are based on recent team performances, player form, and tactical considerations, with Australia aiming to recover from their first ODI loss and South Africa looking to maintain their momentum. The selections reflect key players expected to influence the match, considering the pitch’s pace-friendly nature and the teams’ strategic balance.
| Australia Player | Position | South Africa Player | Position |
| Travis Head | Opener/Batsman | Temba Bavuma | Captain/Batsman |
| Mitchell Marsh | Captain/Batsman | Ryan Rickelton | Wicketkeeper/Batsman |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder | Matthew Breetzke | Batsman |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Batsman | Aiden Markram | Batsman/All-rounder |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | Dewald Brevis | Batsman |
| Alex Carey | Batsman | Tristan Stubbs | Batsman |
| Aaron Hardie | All-rounder | Wiaan Mulder | All-rounder |
| Xavier Bartlett | Pace Bowler | Keshav Maharaj | Spin Bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Pace Bowler | Nandre Burger | Pace Bowler |
| Adam Zampa | Spin Bowler | Lungi Ngidi | Pace Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | Pace Bowler | Ottniel Baartman | Pace Bowler |
Injured and Questionable Players
Several key players from both Australia and South Africa are either confirmed unavailable or doubtful for the ODI on August 22, 2025, due to injuries or other concerns. These absences could significantly impact team strategies, with South Africa notably affected by the loss of a star pacer and Australia managing without key batsmen. The table below details the players who are unavailable or questionable for the match.
| Team | Player | Injury/Status |
| South Africa | Kagiso Rabada | Ankle inflammation (confirmed out) |
| Australia | Steve Smith | Hamstring strain (doubtful) |
| Australia | Glenn Maxwell | Resting (confirmed out) |
| South Africa | Heinrich Klaasen | Knee soreness (questionable) |
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams bring unique strengths to this Australia vs South Africa prediction 2025, with form, injuries, and pitch conditions playing significant roles. The Great Barrier Reef Arena’s pitch and weather will influence strategies, while individual performances could tip the scales. Here are the critical elements to consider for the Australia vs South Africa match prediction:
- Team Form: South Africa’s recent ODI win gives them momentum, while Australia’s inconsistent form raises concerns;
- Player Form: Mitchell Marsh’s 88 in the first ODI shows his potential, but others like Travis Head need to fire;
- South Africa’s Spin Attack: Keshav Maharaj’s 5-33 in Cairns highlights his threat on spin-friendly pitches;
- Australia’s Batting Depth: The absence of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell leaves gaps in the middle order;
- Injuries: Kagiso Rabada’s ankle inflammation rules him out, weakening South Africa’s pace attack;
- Venue History: Mackay’s pitch often favors batting first, with an average first innings score of 280 in ODIs;
- Toss Impact: Winning the toss and batting first could be crucial due to potential dew in the evening;
- Recent Successes: South Africa’s 4-1 ODI record in their last five matches contrasts with Australia’s 1-4.
Free Tips on Australia vs South Africa
Drawing from the statistics of previous matches and team meetings, these free tips focus on external and strategic factors that can influence betting decisions for the second ODI on August 22, 2025. By examining head-to-head data showing South Africa’s slight overall edge (56 wins to Australia’s 51 in 111 ODIs) but an even split in Australia (19 wins each), bettors can identify patterns in performance. These insights, combined with venue-specific details, help in making informed wagers on this crucial World One Day International clash.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Australia, playing at home in Mackay, benefits from familiar conditions, where their head-to-head record against South Africa stands at an even 19-19; this home advantage could boost their batting confidence, especially after recent T20I wins on Australian soil.
- Weather Conditions on Match Day: Forecasts for Mackay on August 22 indicate comfortable temperatures around 17-22°C with a low chance of rain, minimizing interruptions, but potential evening dew might favor the team batting second by making the ball harder to grip for spinners.
- Pitch Condition and Type: The Great Barrier Reef Arena’s grass pitch, hosting its early ODIs, has seen average first-innings scores of about 254, favoring pace bowlers who have taken more wickets (25 at an average of 34.40) compared to spinners, suggesting teams may prefer to bowl first to exploit early movement.
- Recent Schedule and Fatigue: Both sides have played a packed series including three T20Is and the first ODI within two weeks, potentially leading to fatigue; South Africa’s travel and quick turnaround after their 98-run win could affect their fielding sharpness, while Australia’s home base offers slight recovery edge.
- Betting Odds Analysis: Current Australia vs South Africa odds likely favor South Africa post their first ODI dominance, but value lies in underdog bets on Australia given their 2-1 T20I series win and home stats; always compare implied probabilities with historical data for smarter stakes.
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Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction 2025
The Australia vs South Africa prediction 2025 leans slightly towards South Africa due to their superior form and bowling strength. Keshav Maharaj’s spin mastery exposed Australia’s vulnerabilities in Cairns, and with players like Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma in form, the Proteas are well-equipped to dominate. Australia’s batting, led by Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, has the potential to counter, but their middle-order collapse in the first ODI raises doubts. The Australia vs South Africa odds reflect a close contest, with South Africa favored at around 1.80 on most platforms due to their recent dominance. Mackay’s pitch, likely to assist spinners, further tilts the scales in South Africa’s favor. However, if Australia win the toss and bat first, their aggressive openers could set a challenging total. Despite this, South Africa’s depth and adaptability make them the likely winners by a narrow margin, potentially chasing down a target in the final overs.
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Australia to win | 1.5 |
Place your bet on the match – Australia vs South Africa on bc.game to take advantage of competitive odds and live betting options. With both teams showcasing high-intensity cricket, this ODI promises excitement and value for bettors.
