South Africa produced another strong all-round performance to defeat Australia in the second ODI and take an unassailable lead in the series. The hosts posted a challenging total after strong contributions from their top order before their bowlers held their nerve during a late fightback from the visitors. The result also extended South Africa’s impressive run in recent bilateral ODI series against Australia.
However, the game also produced a tense moment late in the Australian chase when a decision involving captain Temba Bavuma and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock led to a brief disagreement between the two South African players. The exchange came at a crucial stage of the contest, with Australia still looking for a way back into the match and the hosts needing wickets to close out the victory.
Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock clash over DRS call
The incident took place in the 48th over of Australia’s innings when Lizaad Williams delivered a yorker to Xavier Bartlett. The ball struck the batter on the back leg, but the umpire initially ruled it not out, with the delivery appearing to be heading down the leg side. Williams wanted South Africa to review the decision, but De Kock appeared reluctant to go upstairs.
Bavuma then intervened and opted to take the review, which led to a heated exchange between the captain and wicketkeeper before their teammates stepped in to calm the situation. The review eventually showed that Bartlett was struck in line, with the ball going on to hit the stumps. The decision was overturned and Bartlett was dismissed LBW, giving South Africa another important breakthrough.
Here’s the video:
The exchange between Temba Bavuma and de Kock. He has to respect Bavuma as a captain. pic.twitter.com/zo8KBKNiNA
— Ngqanga Nentsiba Zayo (@Intengu_drongo) September 27, 2026
Also READ: SA vs AUS 2026: David Miller smashes record-breaking ton against Australia in 2nd ODI
South Africa seal series despite Australia’s strong start
The heated exchange came during an impressive Australian chase that had initially put South Africa under pressure. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head added 130 for the opening wicket, with both batters scoring half-centuries before South Africa’s spinners turned the game around. Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram combined to take five wickets as Australia slipped from a dominant position.
Bartlett’s 50 from 26 balls briefly gave the visitors hope, but Williams eventually dismissed him with the yorker that also triggered the DRS disagreement. Earlier, David Miller’s career-best 142 and Bavuma’s 103 helped South Africa post 365/9. The pair added 156 for the fourth wicket, while Australia’s Jack Edwards claimed 5/67. South Africa eventually bowled Australia out for 333 with two balls remaining to seal the series. The result gave South Africa their sixth consecutive bilateral ODI series win over Australia.
A convincing win for the Proteas in the end as they seal the series with a match to spare 💯#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/1knhpmlRNI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 28, 2026
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