The Proteas produced a memorable performance on one of South African cricket’s most special occasions, defeating Australia by 32 runs in the Pink Day ODI at the Wanderers to secure the three-match series.
Centuries from captain Temba Bavuma and David Miller powered South Africa to an imposing 365/9 before the Proteas’ spinners halted an explosive Australian chase, dismissing the visitors for 333.
The victory gave South Africa an unassailable 2–0 series lead, following their 67-run victory in the opening ODI in Durban.
Bavuma and Miller deliver
South Africa’s innings did not start according to plan.
Aiden Markram fell to the first delivery of the match before Quinton de Kock departed for 15, leaving the hosts under early pressure.
Bavuma steadied the innings alongside Matthew Breetzke before David Miller joined his captain and transformed the contest.
The pair put together a superb 156-run fourth-wicket partnership, combining Bavuma’s controlled accumulation with Miller’s destructive power.
Bavuma reached his first ODI century in three years, eventually departing for 103 from 116 balls.
Miller went even bigger.
The veteran left-hander smashed 142 from only 93 deliveries, including 12 fours and nine sixes, recording the highest ODI score of his career.
On Pink Day, the innings carried additional meaning.
The Proteas wore special jerseys featuring the names of people affected by breast cancer. Miller carried the name of his mother, Jenny, on his shirt and paid tribute to her after reaching his century.
Australia come out firing
Chasing 366, Australia refused to go quietly.
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head attacked from the start, putting together a 130-run opening partnership from 102 balls.
Both eventually made 84, and with Australia’s run rate comfortably keeping pace with the required target, another famous Wanderers chase appeared possible.
Then South Africa’s spinners changed the game.
Bjorn Fortuin bowled Marsh before Markram removed Head, and Australia’s momentum disappeared.
During the 18 overs between the 24th and 42nd overs, the visitors managed just 82 runs while losing four wickets.
Xavier Bartlett kept Australia’s hopes alive with a half-century, but the target ultimately proved too large.
Australia were bowled out for 333, handing South Africa a 32-run victory.
Another Pink Day to remember
Pink Day has grown into one of the most recognisable fixtures on South Africa’s cricket calendar, combining international cricket with fundraising and awareness for breast cancer.
The 2026 edition delivered both emotion and entertainment.
For Miller in particular, a career-best century while wearing his mother’s name made the occasion deeply personal.
For Bavuma, the innings represented a welcome return to three figures and another important captain’s contribution.
For the Proteas, it meant another ODI series victory over one of their greatest rivals.
South Africa have now secured the series with a match to spare, with the third ODI scheduled for Potchefstroom.
On a day when the Wanderers turned pink, Bavuma and Miller ensured the celebrations belonged to South Africa.
