South Africa vs Australia Today's Match Prediction, 1st ODI - Who will win today’s match?
Who will win today's 1st ODI match between South Africa vs Australia? (Source: CSA)
Published - 24 Sep 2026, 08:30 AM• Read time - 12 mins
With more than a year to go until the next edition of the ODI World Cup, Australia will take on South Africa at the latter's home for a three-match ODI series starting Thursday (September 24) at Kingsmead in Durban.
South Africa's bowling attack has been hit by injuries, with Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Kewna Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi all on the sidelines. Gerald Coetzee will be expected to play the lead role in the pace battery. However, the right-arm seamer has not played any ODI cricket since the 50-over World Cup semifinal against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2023.
SA vs AUS Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Thursday, September 24 | South Africa vs Australia | 1st ODI | Kingsmead, Durban | 10:00 AM |
Kingsmead Stadium Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 47 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 22 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 18 |
| Matches Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 6 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 235 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 185 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 371/6 (50 overs) by Australia vs South Africa, 2016 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 91/10 (29.1) by India vs South Africa, 2006 |
| Highest Score Chased | 372 [372/6 in 49.2 overs] by South Africa vs Australia, 2016 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 180 by Canada vs Bangladesh, 2003 |
Kingsmead Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Good | Decent |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Movement/turn | Good | Good | Decent |
| Best Phase | Middle overs | With the new ball | Middle Overs |
SA vs AUS Head-to-Head record (ODIs)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 113 |
| South Africa | 57 |
| Australia | 52 |
| Tied | 3 |
South Africa vs Australia Predicted Playing 11
South Africa (SA):
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs/Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams
Australia (AUS):
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green/Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Olivier Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc
Players to watch out for in SA vs AUS:
Marco Jansen (SA):
Marco Jansen has become a reliable pillar of South Africa's ODI squad in a very short span of time. The bowling allrounder will be the one to watch out for in the first ODI.
Josh Hazlewood (AUS):
Josh Hazlewood will be the key for Australia in the ODI series opener. The right-arm seamer is known for his metronomic accuracy and can make early inroads.
Today's Match Prediction: South Africa to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.