Australia are the reigning ODI World Champions but they have not been playing like it since their 2023 triumph in India. There are mitigating circumstances, having not fielded a full strength team in any game since while beginning a transition towards 2027 following some key retirements. But they have lost six of their last seven completed ODIs including being thumped in game one in Cairns with an experienced top six and an attack featuring two World Cup winning bowlers.
Meanwhile, South Africa looked polished with a transitional team of their own. The absences of David Miller and the retired Heinrich Klaasen were not felt in the slightest with the bat as they posted an excellent score on a sluggish surface with even contributions from the top-four and very little from the powerful duo of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis on ODI debut.
Keshav Maharaj's stunning bowling display did mask a poor new-ball spell from Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger. But it was still an excellent performance overall after losing Kagiso Rabada from the series on the eve of the match. The win was soured by the news that debutant offspinner Prenelan Subrayen had been reported, yet again, for a suspect bowling action. Coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Subrayen would not play in the final two matches despite being available to play, before having his action independently assessed in Brisbane at the end of this ODI series.