AUS vs SA 2025: Australia vs South Africa, 1st ODI Match Preview

Temba Bavuma and captain Mitchell Marsh (Source: Albert Perez/Getty Images)

After a swashbuckling 20-over action between the bat and the ball where the Mitchell Marsh-led hosts won by a comprehensive 2-1 margin, Australia (AUS) will contest against South Africa (SA) in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns on Tuesday, August 19.

The last time Australia played a One-Day International was against India in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025, where the Pat Cummins-led side lost by four wickets. In the last five matches in the format, the Aussies have managed to pull off only one win, while losing two. A couple of games were abandoned due to rain, both of which came during the said ICC event.

South Africa, on the other hand, have had a slightly better record in the last five 50-over encounters, winning two and losing as many. The side had an impressive campaign during the Champions Trophy, where they reached the semi-finals, but lost to New Zealand, which ended their campaign. The Temba Bavuma-led side will be hoping to get a result in their favour on Tuesday.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns has hosted a total of five ODIs so far, with the latest coming in 2022 when New Zealand toured Down Under and faced a whitewash. Australia boast a terrific record at this venue, winning all the matches played here. Moreover, 60 per cent of games played at this venue have resulted in the chasing team winning the match. As a result, opting to bowl first can be expected from the captain winning the toss for this fixture.

Predicted Playing 11s

Australia (AUS)

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa (SA)

Temba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi