South Africa tour of Australia, 2025 – AUS vs SA 2nd ODI fantasy cricket tips, pitch, and Captaincy choices

The South Africa tour of Australia, 2025 tour kicked off on 10th August, and today is going to be the 2nd match of the ODI series between the two. After competing in the T20s, the teams will face each other in the ODI format of the game during the bilateral tour. The 2nd ODI match of the South Africa tour of Australia will see Australia face visiting South Africa on Friday, August 22, at 10:00 AM. 

Both Australia and South Africa headed into the ODI series in transition, with several changes in their squads. Australia missed Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell due to retirement, and Mitchell Owen, Spencer Johnson, and Matt Short are sidelined with injuries. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sean Abbott, and Tanveer Sangha have also been dropped. South Africa, with their ODI skipper Temba Bavuma, started the series on a winning note with the key contributions from Keshav Maharaj, Nande Burger, and Matthew Breetzke. Batting first, South Africa posted a strong total of 296/8. Skipper Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) gave the innings stability, while Aiden Markram (82) played the anchor role. Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 31 at the end ensured South Africa crossed 290. In reply, Australia got off to a fast start at 60/0, but once South African spinners came in, the game changed completely. Keshav Maharaj (5/33) was the star with the ball, removing key middle-order batters. Prenelan Subrayen (1/46) and Nandre Burger (2/54) provided solid support. Australia collapsed from 60/0 to 89/6, with only Mitchell Marsh (88) fighting hard. In the end, they were bowled out for 198, handing South Africa a 98-run win and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Coming into this match, it would be a new chance for them to redeem themselves and prove their importance. However, the hosts will also be looking for a win and would be confident to build on their recent winning form. This match is going to be decisive. If Africa calls it a win, then they will own the title, and if the Aussies bounce back, then another thriller will wait for the fans. As this match is going to be the decider of the shortest format, it holds significant importance. So, with that, now let’s look at the best fantasy cricket tips, pitch report, and captaincy choices for the AUS vs SA 2nd ODI in the series.

AUS vs SA Match Details, 2nd ODI South Africa tour of Australia, 2025

AUS vs SA Pitch Report at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay:

The pitch at Cazlay’s Cricket Ground has a batting-friendly surface with scores around 280-290 considered competitive. The surface generally offers good bounce and carry, which allows batters to play their shots with confidence. Early in the innings, Pacers might find some swing and seam movement, especially in humid conditions, but the pitch tends to settle down as the match progresses.

Spinners could play a role in the middle overs, as the smaller boundaries give them a chance if they use variations smartly. Historically, team chasing has enjoyed success at this venue, making the toss an important factor.

AUS vs SA 2nd ODI: Batters to watch(Last match stats)

AUS vs SA 2nd ODI: Bowlers to watch(last Match Stats)

AUS vs SA Prediction 2025: Small League & Grand League Teams

We have outlined the top fantasy picks for you to consider adding to your team for today’s match. If you’re interested in participating in mega leagues on fantasy platforms, take a look at our Grand League Team below to finalize today’s AUS vs SA fantasy team.

AUS vs SA Today Small League Team:

AUS vs SA Today Grand League Team:

AUS vs SA 2nd ODI Captain and Vice Captain choices

Try rotating the mentioned players across multiple fantasy teams to boost your chances of scoring big. Creating different combinations enhances your chances of winning. Use these AUS vs SA Fantasy tips to create your fantasy team and to build your lineup today.

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa Playing XI: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Disclaimer: This fantasy cricket advice is based on the author’s analysis, experience, and publicly available data. Users are advised to use this information as a guide and make their own informed decisions. Crichourly does not support or provide insider information and is not liable for any financial losses resulting from the team selections.