Australia vs South Africa LIVE Today: Real-Time Score, Streaming Info & Key Moments of the Decisive ODI

MACKAY—Australia have taken the early initiative in the third and final ODI against South Africa at Great Barrier Reef Arena, sprinting to 141/0 inside 19 overs after Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat on a sun-baked Mackay deck. Openers Travis Head and David Warner were ruthless from the outset, exploiting the new ball’s minimal movement to pepper the short square boundaries and silence a sizeable contingent of South African supporters. Series context • South Africa lead 2-0 after emphatic wins in Adelaide and Brisbane and are chasing a first-ever bilateral ODI sweep on Australian soil. • Australia, meanwhile, are desperate to avoid their first home whitewash since 2016 and build momentum ahead of October’s Champions Trophy qualifiers. Power-play fireworks Head reached a 36-ball fifty with consecutive reverse-sweeps off Keshav Maharaj, while Warner punished anything short from Kagiso Rabada, driving the run rate beyond seven an over. The pair’s century stand is Australia’s quickest opening partnership against South Africa since 2018. Key team changes • Australia rested Josh Hazlewood after back-to-back 10-over spells, handing Sean Abbott his first appearance of the series. • South Africa welcomed Temba Bavuma back from a finger niggle, slotting him in at No. 3 and pushing Rassie van der Dussen to four. What to watch for 1. Spin versus spin: Adam Zampa’s leg-breaks have been the lone bright spot for Australia (5-45 and 4-38) but will need support from Ashton Agar on a surface expected to slow dramatically after sunset. 2. Bavuma’s anchor role: South Africa’s top order has fired without him, yet the skipper’s stability could be crucial if they face a steep chase under lights. 3. Marsh at No. 4: Mitchell Marsh has 182 runs at a strike rate of 115 this series; another quick cameo could shove the total past 320. How to follow • Live scorecard: search “AUS vs SA live score” on Google or visit ESPNcricinfo. • Streaming: Amazon Prime (Australia), SuperSport 2 (South Africa). • Highlights: Cricket Australia’s YouTube channel uploads condensed packages within 30 minutes of stumps. Pitch & weather The Mackay strip is a fresh drop-in with generous grass cover, aiding true bounce early but expected to take turn later. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts clear skies and a late-evening cross-breeze that traditionally aids cutters. Quote of the morning “Finish strong, win the moments,” Pat Cummins told host broadcaster Channel 7 at the toss, underscoring Australia’s determination to claw back pride after two stinging defeats. Projected par score Historical data at Great Barrier Reef Arena suggests 295 is the average winning total when the side batting first scores 140+ in the opening 20 overs. With both Warner and Head set, Australia will eye 330. Stay tuned for live updates, post-match analysis, player ratings and full statistical breakdown as the Australia vs South Africa rivalry adds another dramatic chapter in North Queensland tonight.