After a run drought, Travis Head is back in form with a bang. He scored a century when the 3-match ODI series against South Africa was on the line. The Aussie opener reached the century mark from just 80 balls. After seeing the timely hundred, cricket fans expressed their amazement using social media platforms.

Before the Australia vs South Africa 3rd ODI of the 3-match series, the scoreline was already 2-0 for the Proteans. The third game turned out to be a prestige fight for the Australia cricket team led by Mitchell Marsh. Like Head's run draught, Australia's run in the One Day International format was not impressive. Before locking horns with South Africa, the Aussies lost ODI matches against India and Sri Lanka also.

From the beginning of 2025, they were unable to show their strength in the particular format. The third match against SA at Great Barrier Reef Arena was not only a prestigious fight for them but also a way to regain their form in ODIs. Head scored 142 runs against 103 deliveries before falling short against Keshav Maharaj. Maintaining a strike rate of 137.86, the opener during the innings hit seventeen boundaries and five over boundaries.

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A statement making innings 

He stitched a 250-run opening wicket partnership with the skipper, Mitchell Marsh. Maharaj took Head, and Senuran Muthusamy claimed the wicket of Marsh. On the occasion, IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad shared a special post to appreciate Head's flamboyant century. "In today’s headlines. Travis Head brings up his 7th ODI century," Sunrisers Hyderabad wrote. 

Travis Head's international career stats in brief:

- 3963 runs with a 41.71 batting average and a 67.67 strike rate in Tests

- 2942 runs with a batting average of 44.57 and a strike rate of 106.05 in ODIs

- 1119 runs with a 31.08 batting average and 156.72 strike rate in T20Is. 

Travis Head is doing rehearsal for India series #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/Vv2uwBz6ka

— Kaustubh (@kaustubh_4579) August 24, 2025

Century in just 80 balls 🔥

16th Intl Century for Travis Head

Australia has never lost any match, Whenever he Scored Century 😮🥶#AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/ybhWJcijr4

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) August 24, 2025

In today’s Headlines 📰

Travis Head brings up his 7th ODI century 💯🔥#PlayWithFire | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/ot0RcgMsWt

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) August 24, 2025

Travis Head silencing all the people that said he was finished, you love to see it. You don’t doubt a player of this quality. pic.twitter.com/1aPtQRY4av

— Rafi (@rafi4999) August 24, 2025

The horns are out and the hundred is up for Travis Head! What a player. @BKTtires | #PlayoftheDay | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/VN89Zjl7KH

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 24, 2025

AUS vs SA Match Preview

With the tourists having already won the series, South Africa and Australia have nothing to play for other than pride in the third and final ODI! South Africa won the first ODI in Cairns by 98 runs, and they nearly repeated the feat on Friday, defeating the hosts by 84 runs. This is a strange place for Australia to be, especially at home, and their sense of invincibility may be fading ahead of this year's home Ashes! South Africa has won an ODI series in Australia and defeated the same rival at Lord's in the WTC final in June.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Australia vs South Africa – 3rd ODI Match, South Africa tour of Australia 2025 

Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, South Mackay

Date & Time: 24th August 2025 at 10:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

AUS vs SA Venue Stats

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

The concrete-hard pitch initially suits pace bowlers before drastically flattening under lighting. Dew becomes an issue late evening, making grip difficult for spinners. 

AUS vs SA Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

AUS vs SA Last Five Matches

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: SOB vs OVI Dream11 Prediction 19th Match

AUS vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Topmost Picks for AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Josh Inglis – Josh Inglis scored 87 runs off 74 balls, hitting 10 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 117.57
• Adam Zampa – Adam Zampa bowled 10 overs, conceding 63 runs and taking 3 wickets, at an economy rate of 6.3.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Matthew Breetzke – Matthew Breetzke scored 88 runs off 78 balls, hitting 8 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 112.82.
• Lungi Ngidi – Lungi Ngidi bowled 8.4 overs, conceding 42 runs and taking 5 wickets, at an economy rate of 4.85.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs SA Dream11 Team:

Josh Inglis, Ryan Rickelton, Travis Head(C), Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram(VC), Keshav Maharaj, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Lungi Ngidi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton

Vice-captain – Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram

Wicketkeeper – Ryan Rickelton

AUS vs SA Probable Winners:

South Africa's confidence grows with each game, whereas Australia's appears to wane! Better with bat and ball, we expect another win in this game. South Africa looks great in overall performance, whereas the Aussies are unstable and unable to find the rhythm in this entire series. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

South Africa once again dominate with the middle order getting them to a score and the bowling attack putting pressure on a rather unsettled Australian batting line-up. For Australia though the middle order looks promising with contributions from Josh Inglis and also a start from Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne's form though, will be something to watch as he has two runs in two games.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: August 24th, 2025

Time:  10:00 AM IST

Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, MacKay

AUS vs SA Weather Report

MacKay could be on the pleasant side when it comes to weather with summer slowly starting to set in.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Batting second could be a better choice on a track that looks a little uncertain given the ground hosts its first game after 33 years.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan confirms unavailability

AUS vs SA Head to Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SA Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi 

Australia vs South Africa: Players to Watch

Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton is making it big with his impactful 30s. He is a key silent starter and his role has been pretty simple but effective in the limited games he has played so far.

Marnus Labuschagne

Steve Smith's retirement allowed Marnus Labuschagne another go in the national time but his struggles still do not change with two runs in two games. Australia needs runs from their number three with the line-up struggling to score collectively and he is a vital cog.

Australia vs South Africa Match Tips

South Africa are favorites for a white-wash here unless the Australian's finally come in together..

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Horrible scene at Great Barrier Reef Arena during Australia vs. South Africa 2nd ODI. South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder's back foot landed so badly that the pacer went down on the ground. The moment was scary for the cricket-loving fans. But thankfully, Mulder was ok and got back in style quickly. Moments after the poor landing, the Protean all-rounder took the wicket of Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh. 

South Africa is engaged with Australia for a 3-match ODI series after a highly entertaining T20I competition. In the first innings of today's (August 22, 2025) match, South Africa, batting first, registered 277 runs in 49.1 overs as they lost all of their wickets. Adam Zampa grabbed three wickets and a brace each for Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett. Ellis has been in inconsistent form throughout the series against Australia. 

When South Africa's opening pair proved ineffective for the match, the middle-order batters took care of the matter. Matthew Breetzke scored 88, and Tristan Stubbs' 74 was crucial to fighting back against the Aussies. Tony de Zorzi's timely 38-run innings also played an important role in sustaining the early setbacks. 

Read More: WATCH: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan starts CPL 2025 journey by getting out in hysterical manner

Another tight match between Australia and South Africa 

South Africa started the second innings by clinching a couple of wickets in a short interval. With only 7 runs on the board, Australia lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. To continue putting pressure on them, Aiden Markram, SA skipper, introduced Wiaan Mulder into the attack. 

Wiaan Mulder had a scary fall running in for his first delivery of the evening, but dismissed Mitch Marsh just moments later. #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/XhA8blau3v

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 22, 2025

When Mulder ran to deliver his first ball of the evening, it turned into a horrible scene. The back foot slipped, and Mulder went down on the floor. The scenario could be more horrible, but that fall did not harm him or Team South Africa either. Moments later, Mulder earned the wicket of Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh. Marsh departed for 18 off 25; Australia lost their 3rd wicket.

AUS vs SA Match Preview

South Africa delivered a dominant performance in the series opener in Cairns, winning by 98 runs in the day-night contest at Cazaly's Stadium. In truth, the gap of victory should have been even wider as South Africa fell from 223/2 to 285/8 at the finish of their 50 overs, but their bowling attack was far too strong for Australia's middle order. Australia won the T20Is 2-1, but South Africa is now one victory away from repeating the 50-over equivalent.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Australia vs South Africa – 2nd ODI Match, South Africa tour of Australia 2025 

Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, South Mackay

Date & Time: 22nd August 2025 at 10:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

AUS vs SA Venue Stats

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

The concrete-hard pitch initially suits pace bowlers before drastically flattening under lighting. Dew becomes an issue late evening, making grip difficult for spinners. 

AUS vs SA Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

AUS vs SA Last Five Matches

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: SOB vs OVI Dream11 Prediction 19th Match

AUS vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Topmost Picks for AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Mitchell Marsh – Mitchell Marsh scored 88 runs off 96 balls, hitting 10 fours, at a strike rate of 91.67.
• Travis Head – Travis Head bowled 9 overs, conceding 57 runs and taking 4 wickets, at an economy rate of 6.33.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Aiden Markram – Aiden Markram scored 82 runs off 81 balls, hitting 9 fours and no sixes, at a strike rate of 101.23.
• Keshav Maharaj – Keshav Maharaj bowled 10 overs, conceding 33 runs and taking 5 wickets, at an economy rate of 3.3.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs SA Dream11 Team:

Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Travis Head(C), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram(VC), Wiaan Mulder, Aaron Hardie, Keshav Maharaj, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Lungi Ngidi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wiaan Mulder, Travis Head

Vice-captain – Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram

Wicketkeeper – Ryan Rickelton

AUS vs SA Probable Winners:

South Africa is undoubtedly confident going into this game, but Australia rarely loses consecutive games in any format. We anticipate a closer contest, with Australia tying the series at 1-1. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

Australia have a concern after how they went in the first ODI. Barring the top order, the inexperienced middle-order struggled to hold on. The bowling was fine but the batting line-up continues to look out of place in the first game back after the retirements of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. There is a fair bit to fix in the batting order and that will be evident in the coming games.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: August 22nd, 2025

Time:  10:00 AM IST

Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, MacKay

AUS vs SA Weather Report

MacKay could be on the pleasant side when it comes to weather with summer slowly starting to set in.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Batting second could be a better choice on a track that looks a little uncertain given the ground hosts its first game after 33 years.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan confirms unavailability

AUS vs SA Head to Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SA Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi 

Australia vs South Africa: Players to Watch

Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton is making it big with his impactful 30s. He is a key silent starter and his role has been pretty simple but effective in the limited games he has played so far.

Travis Head

With the others retiring Travis Head now remains a key senior member in the side. He loves to take on the bowlers and now will enjoy added responsibility.

Australia vs South Africa Match Tips

South Africa and Australia both look even on paper but home advantage and momentum should keep Australia marginally in front.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

South Africa suffered a serious setback on the eve of their three-match one-day international (ODI) series against Australia as pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the rubber due to inflammation of his right ankle.

The 30-year-old underwent a scan on Monday (August 18), which confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Cricket South Africa announced that Rabada would stay in Australia to start rehabilitation with the team's medical team. "Proteas Men's fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia due to inflammation of his right ankle," CSA said in a statement.

Kwena Maphaka Called Up

In light of Rabada's absence, left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, 19, has been called up into the squad. The young bowler was the standout bowler for South Africa in a T20I series they recently played, and finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, while now he's getting his opportunity in the 50-over format. 

Already missing Marco Jansen, who is recovering from surgery on his left thumb, the South African pace unit will be led by Lungi Ngidi, backed up by Nandre Burger and Maphaka, along with all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch for additional seam options, with a spin unit inclusive of Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen offering plenty of variety.

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First ODI in Cairns

The series is being played at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns, and South Africa have Ngidi, Burger, and Mulder as their seam brigade, along with Subrayen, who made his ODI debut, with Maharaj leading the spin attack.

Australia is led by Mitchell Marsh, standing in as captain, who won the toss and bowled first, saying that the surface looked dry. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he would have done the same if he had won the toss.

Series Outlook

Australia comes into the ODI leg with confidence after winning the T20I series 2-1. South Africa, however, missing Rabada and Jansen puts extra pressure on the younger bowlers, but at least the second and third ODIs will both be played in Mackay at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, on 22 and 24 August.

There is a World Cup coming, and both teams can use the series as an opportunity to look at depth and combinations, though for the Proteas, it will depend on how well their emerging attack performs without their senior quicks.

Australia vs South Africa T20I 2025. Despite the ups and downs in their performance over the course of this virtual bilateral series, the two skippers are keen to kick start their team's campaign 1st ODI. They will be hoping for high-octane power-hitting, pin-point accurate bowling and some scathing rivalries.With both teams in the final stages of preparation ahead of the global T20 tournaments, this series takes on extra significance. South Africa will be hoping for a winning start in front of their home crowd, where experience complements youth really well. While Australia, on the other hand, are known to go hard in T20 cricket and will do just that from ball one. 

Match Details :

• Match: Australia vs South Africa, 1st ODI, 2025
• Date: 19/8/2025
• Time: 10:45 AM
• Venue: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

Live Streaming & Where to Watch 

ALSO READ:AUS vs SA, 1st ODI Match Prediction– Who will win the Match?

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie/ Alex Carey, Ben Dwarwshius, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

SA Playing XI

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markaram, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, 

While the T20 World Cup is the next big one on the horizon its the ODI format where Australia has some new things to look at. Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are now retired in the format but Marnus Labuschagne manages to keep his space as Australia navigate through a change of guard. South Africa are near full strength as well with Temba Bavuma leading the side.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: August 19th, 2025

Time:  10:00 AM IST

Venue: Cairns

AUS vs SA Weather Report

Rain could make an appearance across the game

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Batting first could be a better choice on wearing surfaces likely in the tournament.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan confirms unavailability

AUS vs SA Head to Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie/ Alex Carey, Ben Dwarwshius, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

SA Playing XI

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markaram, Tristin Stubbs, Dewald Brewis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, 

Australia vs South Africa: Players to Watch

Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton is making it big with his impactful 30s. He is a key silent starter and his role has been pretty simple but effective in the limited games he has played so far.

Travis Head

With the others retiring Travis Head now remains a key senior member in the side. He loves to take on the bowlers and now will enjoy added responsibility.

Australia vs South Africa Match Tips

South Africa and Australia both look even on paper but home advantage and momentum should keep Australia marginally in front.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

AUS vs SA Match Preview

Australia and South Africa will now shift the spotlight from the fast-paced T20 matches to a series of three ODI matches beginning on Tuesday. The first ODI will be held in Cairns and promises plenty of thrilling action. Australia won the T20 series 2-1 and will look to carry that advantage into the one-day matches. Mitchell Marsh, commanding the hosts, will be looking for another home victory, while Temba Bavuma's side will be looking to rebound from a difficult outing in the shorter format.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Australia vs South Africa – 1st ODI Match, South Africa tour of Australia 2025 

Venue: Cazalys Stadium, Westcourt

Date & Time: 19th August 2025 at 10:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

AUS vs SA Venue Stats

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

The concrete-hard pitch initially suits pace bowlers before drastically flattening under lighting. Dew becomes an issue late evening, making grip difficult for spinners. 

AUS vs SA Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

AUS vs SA Last Five Matches

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: The Hundred 2025: SOB vs OVI Dream11 Prediction 19th Match

AUS vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

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

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann

Topmost Picks for AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Marnus Labuschagne – Marnus Labuschagne's batting average of 55.11 versus South Africa is the best in his team.
• Josh Hazlewood – Josh Hazlewood should command the pace attack after demonstrating solid rhythm over South Africa in the T20s.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Dewald Brevis – Dewald Brevis ended the 3-match T20I series as the highest run-getter, with 180 runs in 3 innings at an average of 90.
• Keshav Maharaj – Keshav Maharaj, a left-arm spinner, will be crucial for the middle overs because of his control and variations.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs SA Dream11 Team:

Alex Carey, Ryan Rickelton, Travis Head, Dewald Brevis, Mitchell Marsh(VC), Aiden Markram(C), Aaron Hardie, Wiaan Mulder, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Kagiso Rabada

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton

Vice-captain – Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne

Wicketkeeper – Ryan Rickelton

AUS vs SA Probable Winners:

Australia-South Africa clashes are rarely disappointing, and this ODI series should be no exception. The visitors bring plenty of quality and will put the home side to the test in all departments. Australia, on the other hand, has traditionally been very strong in its own backyard, and despite a few missing players, its squad has enough depth to keep up. Expect another close match, but the circumstances give Australia a slight advantage. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.