Proteas defeat Australia 3-2 in ODI World Cup warm-up series

South Africa has produced a remarkable turnaround to win 3-2 against Australia in their five-match Cricket World Cup warm-up series.

The Proteas had slumped to 2-0 down in the series, before rattling off wins in the next three matches to become just the sixth team in ODI history to overturn the deficit.

South Africa had levelled the series 2-2 at Centurion on Friday, with this making Sunday’s clash at Johannesburg a live rubber.

The Aussies won the toss and elected to bowl, but were simply outclassed by the Proteas, a Marco Jansen masterclass proving the difference.

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The result now puts pressure on the Australians to lift before their first ICC Cricket World Cup match in just under three weeks, and with just three ODIs against India and standalone fixtures against the Netherlands and Pakistan to turn it around prior.

While big screens were flashing the Springboks’ colossal 76-0 victory in Bordeaux in their Rugby World Cup win, Jansen enthralled the Johannesburg crowd. His fierce 47-run knock off just 23 balls was followed by a bowling masterclass, eliminating Australia’s entire top order.

Australia’s fielding woes continued, allowing the Proteas to amass an intimidating 315 runs. Despite this, the visitors seemed on course for a win with Mitch Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease. But Jansen’s spectacular spell, coupled with Quinton de Kock’s athletic wicketkeeping, halted their progress.

South Africa’s spinner, Keshav Maharaj, wrapped up the innings with a career-best 4-33, restricting the Aussies to a modest 193. The result paints a challenging picture for Australia as they prepare for the World Cup next month.

The game had its share of fielding blunders and intense moments. While South African captain Temba Bavuma’s dismissal was a fielding high point for Australia, Adam Zampa’s bowling saw two crucial dropped catches, which allowed South Africa’s middle order to rebuild.

The Australians have got plenty to work on, including safeguarding their crumbling batting attack, which will be without Travis Head for at least the first-half of the World Cup.

They are hopeful of recalling Steve Smith for the Indian warm-up matches, with Marnus Labuschagne, who missed out on the initial squad, also in line for a late call-up after playing well in the South African series.

Australia open their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, which they are priced at $8 to win with online bookmakers, against India in Chennai on October 8.

Australia v South Africa results

September 7: Australia won by three wickets

September 9: Australia won by 123 runs

September 12: South Africa won by 111 runs

September 15: South Africa won by 164 runs

September 17: South Africa won by 122 runs

Australian ODI World Cup warm-up fixtures

India v Australia; Friday, September 22, 6pm

India v Australia; Sunday, September 24, 6pm

India v Australia; Wednesday, September 27, 6pm

Australia v Netherlands, Saturday, September 30, 6:30pm

Pakistan v Australia, Tuesday, October 3, 7:30pm