South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI, Bloemfontein: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

South Africans were pleasantly surprised when their men turned around after being trounced by England across formats and by Australia in the T20Is. They lost a wicket off the first ball in the first ODI, at Paarl, before Heinrich Klaasen (123 not out in 114 balls) took them to 291/7 as Pat Cummins took 3/45. Klaasen found support in Kyle Varreyne (48) and David Miller (64).

The Australian chase was led by Steven Smith (76), who added 84 with Marnus Labuschagne (41) for the third wicket. At one stage Australia needed 159 in 141 balls with 8 wickets in hand when they collapsed against Lungi Ngidi (3/30), Anrich Nortje (2/39), and Tabraiz Shamsi (2/45). They lost by 74 runs.

However, given how Australia’s tour has panned out, they should pull one back here against a new-look South Africa. The hosts have, after all, not won even one series at home (1-3 in Tests, 1-1 in ODIs, 1-2 in T20Is, against England; 1-2 in T20Is against Australia).

Head to head

There is little to choose between the sides, South Africa having won 49 and Australia 48 of the clashes. However, South Africa have won 9 of the last 10 matches between the sides.

Key players

Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): Klaasen had lifted South Africa from 48/3 in the first ODI, adding 78 with Varreyne and 149 with Miller. Not only will he be expected to get another big score, he must get the runs at the same rapid pace.

Pat Cummins (Australia): With three wickets at different phases of the match and an excellent run out, Cummins was Australia’s star despite the defeat at Paarl. He will be expected to assume the role of the main bowler again.

Likely XIs

South Africa: Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Temba Bavuma, Kyle Varreyne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Prediction

Australia to pull one back.