South Africa have one foot in the next round after beating Australia 297-230 in the final match of the "Australia in South Africa" series on September 24, 2026. The hosts posted a total of 297, then held firm to restrict Australia to 230, securing victory by 67 runs.
South Africa's batting had been in fine form throughout the tour. They had scored 335 and 348 in successive matches against Namibia, with a more modest 228 also on the board in their opening fixture. The 297 today fitted that pattern, though it wasn't the highest of the series.
Australia came into the match buoyed by recent results. They had beaten Zimbabwe 356-272 and 294-235 in consecutive games, and had scraped past them 272-271 just four days earlier. But this time they couldn't match the target, falling short by a comfortable margin.
By then the series context was clear. South Africa had shown consistency, winning their last five matches across all competitions. Their only recent defeat was a close 205-157 loss to Zimbabwe, and before that they had comfortably seen off Namibia and Zimbabwe in their respective games.
Australia's recent form had been mixed. They had struggled to finish off Bangladesh, losing 482-483 in a match that likely went down to the final over. The 272-271 win against Zimbabwe suggested they could still be competitive, but the 67-run defeat here may have changed the momentum.
The result leaves South Africa top of the series standings with a lead of 22 points. Australia sit in second place, their chances of overturning the deficit now looking slim. The hosts can spring a surprise if they maintain this level, but for now the series is theirs to lose.
