South Africa fought back in the 3rd ODI against Australia to claim a 111-run win in Potchefstroom.

Having been sent in to bat first, the Proteas got off to another positive start, with Quinton de Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma hitting the ground running. Bavuma impressed with early boundaries, and de Kock would soon overcome a jittery beginning and punish the pacers.

The openers kept the innings going at better than a run a ball until Travis Head’s off-spin finally brought about a breakthrough for the visitors. Spin from both ends did the trick, as rookie leg spinner Tanveer Sangha picked up his first ODI wicket of Bavuma in the very next over.

Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram added 76 for the third wicket, but a brilliant run out from Marnus Labuschagne ended Hendricks’ innings at 39. Danger men Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller both departed cheaply, and it looked like SA would struggle to rebuild and post a competitive total.

However, it was a priceless cameo from Marco Jansen that provided Markram with the support he needed towards the back end. Markram had been scoring at a steady clip in spite of wickets falling around him, and was nearing a milestone of his own.

Runs dried up in the final three overs, but Markram got to his 2nd ODI century on the very last delivery of the innings, with a powerful boundary down the ground.

Australia got their innings off to a flying start. A key partnership between David Warner and Travis Head, followed by Warner and Mitch Marsh, saw them score 140 in 15 overs. Head lost his wicket after a 48-ball 79 partnership, followed by Marsh after a partnership of 61 off 43 balls.

The game turned when Warner attempted a run, lost his shoe and slipped causing his run out by Maharaj.

Wickets tumbled with the introduction of the two spinners Shamsi and Maharaj, plus a backend demolition four-for from Gerald Coetzee.