Cricket: The Proteas can clinch the series against Australia on September 27 at the Wanderers

South Africa can clinch the three-match ODI series against Australia as early as September 27, 2026. The second match will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg starting at 10:00 local time (8:00 GMT), with the Proteas in a strong position following their opening success, according to the Sunday Guardian and Cricket Australia.

At Kingsmead in Durban on September 24, 2026, the South Africans won by 67 runs. Matthew Breetzke scored 112 runs off 106 balls, Marco Jansen added 75 runs off 59 balls, and South Africa finished their innings at 297 for 8. In response, Australia collapsed to 230 all out, despite a quick 60 runs from captain Mitchell Marsh.

Maharaj's left arm made the difference

The architect of the turnaround was Keshav Maharaj, who took 4 wickets for 20 runs. The left-arm spinner dismantled the Australian chase, and the South African spin bowlers stifled the visitors' middle innings, notes the Sunday Guardian. It is a weapon the Proteas fully intend to deploy again in Johannesburg.

The Wanderers, nicknamed "the Bullring," usually offers pace and bounce to fast bowlers while remaining a fair surface for batters, and Johannesburg's altitude makes the ball travel. The South Africans, whose start to the innings in Durban was laborious, know that a more solid start would keep them safe. Temba Bavuma remains captain, with Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj in the squad; meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh leads an Australia side featuring Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, and Adam Zampa.

The stakes are also statistical. In 114 ODI encounters, South Africa leads with 58 wins to 52, with three ties and one no-result, according to the Sunday Guardian. Most importantly, the Proteas have won their last five bilateral series against Australia: the last Australian victory in this format dates back to 2014.

The Wanderers, nicknamed "the Bullring," is one of the most batter-friendly grounds in the country: Johannesburg's altitude makes the ball travel and totals climb quickly there. The South Africans, whose start to the innings in Durban was laborious with the early exits of Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi, know that a more solid start would keep them safe. David Miller remains the man the Australians fear: he averages 54.84 against them in ODIs, with three centuries, according to Outlook India.

The context goes beyond just this series. The Proteas remain one of the most complete sides in world cricket, and a clear victory against Australia on home soil carries weight in building a team that now wants to win major events rather than just coming close.

The Australian tour of South Africa will continue with the third ODI on September 30, 2026, in Potchefstroom, before a three-match Test series in October. If the South Africans win at the Wanderers, the trip to Potchefstroom will be played for pride and the chance of a 3-0 sweep.