Australia win third ODI by 45 runs under DLS
Australia beat South Africa by 45 runs under DLS in the rain-shortened third ODI in Potchefstroom.
Australia avoided a series whitewash with a 45-run DLS victory in the rain-affected third ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Australia posted 322 for nine after being put in, with Alex Carey scoring 74 off 88 balls and Mitch Marsh making 56 off 42. Ollie Peake added 48. Adam Zampa took two for 34 and Xavier Bartlett claimed two for 25.
South Africa reached 145 for four in 28 overs, with Ryan Rickelton unbeaten on 71, when rain ended the match. Pat Cummins returned for his first ODI in almost two years but did not captain the side, with Marsh retaining the job. Mitchell Starc also came back into the XI while Nathan Ellis was ruled out with a side strain.
South Africa made five changes for the dead rubber, resting captain Temba Bavuma and David Miller among others. Australia, who lost the series 2-1, take on South Africa in the first Test in Durban on 9 October.
CricHubb Take
The result confirms Australia will enter the Durban Test series without momentum from a clean sweep, but Cummins' return and the middle-order partnerships offer tangible preparation points for the longer format.