Bloemfontein, South Africa – The stage is set for an exciting clash between South Africa and Australia in the 1st ODI of the Australia tour of South Africa, 2023. Scheduled for September 7, 2023, at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, this match promises a riveting contest between two cricketing giants. As fans eagerly await the showdown, let’s dive into the match prediction and betting tips. If you’re interested in placing bets on this thrilling encounter, be sure to check out the Indibet app for the latest odds and options.
Head-to-Head Record
South Africa and Australia have a storied history in ODI cricket, and their encounters are often closely contested battles. As of the latest statistics, South Africa holds the upper hand with 51 victories, while Australia has claimed 48 wins. This head-to-head record sets the stage for what should be an intriguing and high-scoring contest.
Recent Form and Team Previews
South Africa Preview
Despite their recent T20I series loss to Australia, South Africa will enter the ODI series with renewed vigor. The Proteas have strengthened their squad with the return of several regulars, and they will be eager to capitalize on their good recent form in the ODI format.
Aiden Markram, who had a successful outing in the T20Is, will be a key player to watch for South Africa. Markram boasts an impressive ODI average of 70.40 in 2023 and will look to continue his fine form in the 50-over format.
Captain Temba Bavuma, despite his T20I struggles, is a force to be reckoned with in ODI cricket. In 2023, Bavuma has scored 420 runs in just six ODIs at an exceptional average of 84, including two centuries and one fifty.
Heinrich Klaasen, a hard-hitting wicket-keeper batter, is another threat in South Africa’s lineup. Klaasen has smashed 422 runs in his last 8 innings at an average of 71 and a remarkable strike rate of 128.65.
South Africa’s bowling unit will feature the return of Kagiso Rabada, who has taken 19 wickets against Australia in ODIs at an average of 27.52. Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen further strengthen the bowling attack.
Australia Preview
Australia comes into this series with a strong ODI record, having recently defeated England 3-0 at home and India 2-1 away. However, they will be without some key players due to injuries and other commitments. Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Glenn Maxwell are among those missing from the squad.
Mitchell Marsh, the stand-in captain, will be crucial for Australia. He displayed sensational form in the T20I series, with scores of 92* and 79* in the first two matches. Marsh has scored 274 runs in his last five ODIs at an impressive average of 68.50.
Travis Head, fresh from a spectacular 48-ball 91 in the T20Is, is expected to open the batting and provide rapid starts for Australia.
Experienced campaigners like David Warner, with 350 runs in his last seven games at an average of 50, will lend stability to the Australian lineup.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood and leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be key assets for Australia. Hazlewood has taken 10 wickets in his last six matches at an economy rate of 3.54, while Zampa boasts 22 wickets in his last ten matches at an economy rate of 4.68.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein typically offers an ideal batting track with some initial assistance for bowlers in terms of bounce and movement. As the match progresses, batting becomes more comfortable, and the quick outfield rewards batters for their well-timed shots. Spinners are also likely to play a role in the middle overs.
Weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with plenty of sunshine, ensuring an uninterrupted contest.
Venue Statistics
The average first-innings score at Mangaung Oval is 247, with England’s 399-9 against South Africa in 2016 being the highest total recorded at the venue. The ground sees an average of 5.10 runs per over, making a target of 280–300 runs an attractive proposition for the team batting first.
Toss Prediction
In the 32 matches played at the Mangaung Oval, teams chasing have won 16 times, while teams batting first have emerged victorious on 14 occasions. This suggests that the toss-winning captain may opt to field first, considering the history of the venue.
Match Prediction
Given South Africa’s recent dominance in ODI matches against Australia, having won their last five encounters, they enter this contest as the favorites. The Proteas have a formidable batting lineup, including Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Heinrich Klaasen, and a potent pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada.
Australia, on the other hand, is without several key players, which may hamper their ability to apply pressure on the home side. However, players like Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and David Warner can still make an impact.
Considering the pitch conditions, the team chasing may have an advantage, and with South Africa’s well-rounded team and previous success against Australia, they are the likely winners of this match.
Betting Tips
For betting enthusiasts, here are some tips to consider:
- Match Winner: Back South Africa as the winners of this match.
- Top Batsman (South Africa): Aiden Markram has been in fantastic form, and he’s a strong choice for top run-scorer for South Africa.
- Top Batsman (Australia): Mitchell Marsh has been in tremendous form and is a good bet for top run-scorer for Australia.
- Total Runs: Given the venue and conditions, consider betting on the total runs scored in the match to be over 300.
As cricket fans await this exciting clash between South Africa and Australia, the stage is set for an enthralling contest, and cricket lovers around the world can expect a thrilling display of the gentleman’s game at its best.
