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South Africa v Australia
Saturday 9 September, 12:30
TV: Live on TNTSports
South Africa v Australia Second ODI team news
South Africa couldn't get over the line defending 222 in game one in Bloemfontein despite reducing Australia to 113 for seven. It's a significant blot on their copybook ahead of the World Cup.
A batting flop isn't a great look, either and without Temba Bavuma's unbeaten 114 it would have been a disaster. With Aiden Markam as their sixth bowling option they just cannot afford for their top six not to fire.
With Anrich Nortje available he may return at the expense of fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi who doesn't seem to be troubling the Aussies.
Probable XI: De Bavuma, Van der Dussen, Markram, Klaasen, Miller, Jansen, Coetzee, Maharaj, Rabada, Nortje
Despite being without Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc and Glenn Maxwell and losing Cameron Green to concussion, Australia found a way. Marnus Labuschagne, replacing the latter, was the hero with a brilliant unbeaten 80 off 93.
Labuschagne essentially booked his spot on the plane for the World Cup to travel as a first reserve. Ashton Agar repaid selectors' faith by being included in the full squad with a crucial 48.
Probable XI: Warner, Head, M Marsh, Inglis, Labuschagne, Carey, Stoinis, Abbott, Agar, Hazlewood, Zampa
South Africa v Australia Second ODI pitch report
The Bloemfontein track looked pretty good for batting. Witness Australia's run rate approaching eights despite a clatter of wickets. Ultimately the easy-paced nature of the surface looked important because South Africa were unable to build pressure. The 342 England made earlier this year at the venue looks more in keeping.
On run rates for both teams in the last two years, more than 290 is well within reach. Both teams could be cheap on the innings runs market for such a score at close to even money.
The even money offered by Sportsbook for a first innings century looks big.
South Africa v Australia Second ODI match odds
It's not another Saffer choke against the Aussies, is it? We sincerely hope not as odds-against for the hosts still has huge appeal given that the hosts are at full-strength and the Australians are not.
It's a fascinating battle because both sides' strengths cancel out the other. South Africa's bat-first trend was busted in game one - it's now seven wins in 13 - by Australia's improved eight from 10 chasing.
The slight cut to South Africa after such a close one is annoying but we still think this is closer to a choice affair. In time the market may agree.
The best advice is to expect South Africa to hit back at 2.226/5.
South Africa v Australia Second ODI player bets
We stick with Heinrich Klaasen for top South Africa bat. Failure in game one at odds of 13/27.40 don't suggest he'll be cut by Sportsbook.
On two-year win rates he should be 4/14.80. You can add him to your bet slip by clicking here.
For Australia, David Warner has a great record (surprisingly). It's five wins in 15 so around that 9/43.25 gives us an edge of around 3% against implied probability. Add Warner to the bet slip here.
Labuschagne will be all the rage no doubt. He could bat as high as No 4. Sportsbook make him an 4/14.80 chance and you can bet Labuschagne here.