South Africa beat Australia by 84 runs in the second ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
After winning the first ODI by 98 runs, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Temba Bavuma was rested for this match to manage his workload as he recovered from a hamstring strain, which he sustained during the World Test Championship WTC final in June. Aiden Markram took over the reins as the stand-in captain.
However, the right-handed batter was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the second over. Fellow opener Ryan Rickelton departed in the sixth over. Xavier Bartlett sent both the openers packing.