The South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Potchefstroom, South Africa. The match will be the final game of the three-match ODI series, with South Africa already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Australia will aim to finish the series with a victory, while the Proteas will look to complete a clean sweep ahead of the upcoming Test series between the two sides.
The match is particularly important for both teams as they continue preparing for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa vs Australia, 3rd ODI |
| Date | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
| Venue | JB Marks Oval (Senwes Park), Potchefstroom |
| South Africa Captain | Temba Bavuma |
| Australia Captain | Pat Cummins |
| Match Format | One Day International (50 overs) |
| Local Start Time | 1:30 PM SAST |
| India Start Time | 5:00 PM IST |
| Australia Start Time | 9:30 PM AEST |
| Series Status | South Africa lead 2-0 |
The match is scheduled as a day-night ODI. Timings and playing conditions remain subject to official match-day announcements.
South Africa vs Australia ODI Series 2026: Results So Far
South Africa have won the first two matches and secured the series.
| ODI | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI, September 24 | Kingsmead, Durban | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 2nd ODI, September 27 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| 3rd ODI, September 30 | Potchefstroom | Upcoming |
South Africa scored 297/8 in the first ODI before dismissing Australia for 230. In the second match, the Proteas made 365/9, and Australia replied with 333 all out.
The two victories gave South Africa a 2-0 lead and guaranteed the series win before the final ODI.
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa will enter the final match with confidence after strong performances from its top-order batters and middle-order players.
Temba Bavuma and David Miller were central to the second ODI victory, scoring centuries in a high-scoring contest. Aiden Markram and the other top-order batters will also be important in setting up another competitive total.
Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram have provided spin options during the series. Their role could be significant if the pitch offers assistance to slower bowlers.
South Africa have several fast-bowling absences, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Ottneil Baartman, who have been unavailable due to hamstring injuries. This has provided opportunities for other members of the squad.
South Africa ODI Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nqobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs.
The final playing XI will be announced at the toss.
Australia Team Preview
Australia will look to finish the ODI series with a win after losing the first two games.
Pat Cummins leads the Australian side, which includes experienced batters such as Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey and Cameron Green. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa provide options across pace and spin.
Australia’s batting lineup scored more than 300 runs in the second ODI but was unable to chase South Africa’s target.
A major team-news development is the injury to wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. He has been ruled out of the final two ODIs after fracturing his right index finger in the opening match. Alex Carey is expected to handle wicketkeeping duties.
Australia ODI Squad
Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.
Josh Inglis has been ruled out of the remaining ODI fixtures and returned to Australia for treatment.
Pitch Report: JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
The third ODI will be played at JB Marks Oval, also known as Senwes Park, in Potchefstroom.
The venue has hosted international cricket and is expected to provide a competitive contest between bat and ball. However, the exact pitch behaviour for the September 30 match will only become clear after the pitch inspection.
The first two matches of the series produced high scores, with both teams passing 300 in the second ODI. Batters will therefore be looking to make use of the conditions, while bowlers will need to control runs and take wickets during the middle overs.
Weather forecasts should be checked closer to match time, as rain could affect the start or duration of the game.
South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI Live Streaming
Cricket fans in Australia can watch the series through Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports, according to Cricket Australia’s broadcast guide.
For viewers in India, the official broadcaster and streaming platform should be checked through current local listings before the match. Availability can differ by country and may be updated before the fixture.
Fans can also follow the live score, ball-by-ball commentary and scorecard through the official ICC website and established cricket score platforms.
Why the 3rd ODI Is Important
Although South Africa have already won the series, the final ODI remains important for both teams.
For South Africa, a victory would complete a 3-0 clean sweep against Australia and provide additional confidence ahead of the Test series beginning October 9.
For Australia, the match offers an opportunity to finish the ODI leg with a win, evaluate players and address areas that need improvement before the upcoming Tests.
Both teams are also using the series to build consistency and assess their squads in the lead-up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Conclusion
The South Africa vs Australia 3rd ODI will take place on September 30, 2026, at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. The match begins at 1:30 PM local time, which is 5:00 PM in India.
South Africa have already secured the three-match series with victories in Durban and Johannesburg. Australia will aim to avoid a 3-0 series defeat, while the Proteas will look to complete a clean sweep in front of their home supporters.
The final playing XIs, toss result and any weather-related changes will be confirmed on match day.
This preview is based on information available on September 29, 2026. Match details, playing XIs and broadcast availability may change.
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