Australia vs South Africa Match Prediction, 3rd T20I – Who will win today’s match between AUS vs SA?

Australia (AUS) take on South Africa (SA) in the decisive third and final T20I at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns on Saturday, August 16.

The series is intriguingly poised at 1-1. Australia took the lead by winning the first T20I at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin by 17 runs. They posted 178 on the board before restricting South Africa to 161/9. Tim David won the Player of the Match for his counter-attacking half-century that helped Australia get to a competitive total despite losing six wickets for 75 runs in the eighth over.

Meanwhile, South Africa bounced back in style in the second T20I at the same venue. The Proteas posted a massive first-innings score of 218/7 in their 20 overs on the back of Dewald Brevis' exhilarating ton. In reply, Australia were bowled out for 165 in 17.4 overs.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Pitch Report

The Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns has not hosted a men's T20I contest so far. However, it has staged domestic T20 matches, including Big Bash League fixtures. The pitch tends to offer assistance for the seamers when the ball is new. Tropical humidity aids swing and bounce. As the pitch wears out, batting gets easier. Spinners could play a key role through the middle overs. The captain who wins the toss would want to bowl first.

AUS vs SA Head to Head in T20Is

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XIs

Australia (AUS):

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Alex Carey (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (SA):

Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (WK), Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.

Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Tim David

Tim David has been in remarkable form of late. The right-handed batter has registered half-centuries in both games. He is the leading run-getter in the series, having amassed 133 runs in two innings at an average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 175. The South African players will want to see the back of him as early as possible on Saturday.

Probable Best Bowler: Ben Dwarshuis

Australia's Ben Dwarshuis has been the best bowler on show across the first two T20Is. The left-arm seamer finished with figures of 3/26 in the first T20I and 2/24 in the second. Dwarshuis can swing the new ball and bowl his variations with commendable control in the death overs.

Today's Match Prediction: Team batting second to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.