Miller masterclass seals series for South Africa after Australia fall short in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, 27 September 2026: David Miller produced a destructive 142 off 93 balls and Temba Bavuma struck a composed century as South Africa defeated Australia by 32 runs in the second ODI at the Wanderers, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa’s 365 for nine looked unlikely when Aiden Markram fell first ball and Quinton de Kock followed with the score on 36, but Bavuma steadied the innings before Miller transformed it.

Bavuma’s 103 from 116 balls gave South Africa the platform they needed, while Miller supplied the acceleration. The pair added 156 for the fourth wicket, taking the game away from Australia through a combination of control and clean hitting.

Miller reached his century from 73 balls and continued to attack, finishing with 12 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate above 150. His innings ensured South Africa maintained momentum deep into the final 10 overs, despite Jack Edwards claiming five wickets for Australia.

Duan Jansen’s unbeaten 27 off 18 balls helped lift the hosts to 365 for nine, a total that demanded an exceptional chase.

Australia made an ideal start.

Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head put on 130 for the opening wicket, with Marsh attacking from the outset. He smashed 84 from 53 balls, while Head matched him with 84 from 76.

At that stage, Australia were firmly in the contest.

South Africa’s response came through spin. Bjorn Fortuin removed Marsh, Markram dismissed Head and Keshav Maharaj broke the middle order as Australia slipped from 191 for three to 251 for six.

That middle-overs squeeze proved decisive.

Matt Renshaw made 32 and Cameron Green 17, but neither could build the partnership Australia needed to keep pace with the required rate.

Xavier Bartlett gave the chase late life with a remarkable 50 from 28 balls, including five sixes, but the target remained beyond reach.

Lizaad Williams closed out the innings with three wickets, while Marco Jansen and Fortuin took two each. Australia were eventually bowled out for 333 in 49.5 overs.

The key difference was South Africa’s ability to turn strong starts into match-defining scores. Bavuma and Miller both reached three figures, while Australia’s two best-set batters fell for 84.

Miller’s innings, in particular, shifted the pressure completely and proved to be the defining contribution of the match.

South Africa’s 32-run win secured the series with one match still to play.

Scores in brief:

South Africa won by 32 runs and lead the three-match ODI series 2-0

South Africa 365/9 (50 overs): David Miller 142, Temba Bavuma 103, Matthew Breetzke 34; Jack Edwards 5/67, Josh Hazlewood 3/70

Australia 333 (49.5 overs): Mitchell Marsh 84, Travis Head 84, Xavier Bartlett 50; Lizaad Williams 3/54, Marco Jansen 2/53, Keshav Maharaj 2/54, Bjorn Fortuin 2/70

Player of the Match: David Miller (South Africa)