Batting first after being put in, Australia posted a total of 322-9. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a brisk 56 off 42 balls, marking his third consecutive half-century of the tour following scores of 60 and 84 earlier in the series. Marsh combined with Travis Head for an explosive 78-run opening stand at nine runs per over, laying a solid foundation for the middle order.
Carey and Peake Revive the Innings
Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey played a central role in steadying the innings, registering his first international half-century in 17 ODI and Test innings since his Ashes hundred in Adelaide. Carey scored 74 off 88 balls, sharing a crucial 73-run partnership with 20-year-old prospect Oliver Peake, who contributed 48 runs before being dismissed by a diving catch from Bjorn Fortuin. Matt Renshaw added 30 runs, but South Africa’s Corbin Bosch fought back in the death overs to finish with impressive figures of 4-60, limiting Australia’s late acceleration.
South Africa, having already clinched the three-match series, rested key players including captain Temba Bavuma and star spinner Keshav Maharaj. Chasing a target of 323, the hosts struggled to gain traction against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. Fast bowler Xavier Bartlett struck early to remove Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram, finishing with 2-25 from five overs.
Rain Halts Chase and Confirms Result
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa rediscovered his best form, conceding only 34 runs in six overs while picking up two wickets, including the dangerous Matthew Breetzke stumped by Carey and Tristan Stubbs trapped lbw. Pat Cummins also returned to international action as a bowler only, conceding 17 runs in five overs ahead of the upcoming Test series opener in Durban on October 9.
South Africa reached 145-4 in 28 overs, with Ryan Rickelton remaining unbeaten on 71, before rain intervened at 8:30 p.m. local time. With the home side sitting well behind the required DLS par score, umpires officially called off the match at 9:30 p.m., handing Australia a morale-boosting consolation win to conclude the white-ball leg of the tour.