South Africa Clinch ODI Series Against Australia Despite Late Bavuma–de Kock DRS Dispute

South Africa produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Australia in the second ODI, securing an unassailable lead in the series. The hosts posted a formidable total powered by century stands from their top order before their bowlers held firm during a spirited late fightback from the tourists. The victory extends South Africa’s dominant run in bilateral ODI series against Australia.

The contest, however, delivered a flash of tension during the Australian chase when a review decision sparked a brief but heated exchange between captain Temba Bavuma and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. The disagreement arose at a pivotal juncture, with Australia mounting a recovery and South Africa hunting for the breakthroughs needed to close out the match.

Bavuma and de Kock Clash Over DRS Call

The incident occurred in the 48th over of Australia’s innings when Lizaad Williams trapped Xavier Bartlett on the back leg with a yorker. The on-field umpire ruled not out, judging the ball to be sliding down leg. Williams urged a review, but De Kock appeared hesitant to refer the decision upstairs.

Bavuma overruled his wicketkeeper and signalled for the review, prompting a sharp verbal exchange between the pair before teammates intervened to defuse the situation. Ball-tracking technology confirmed the delivery had struck Bartlett in line and would have gone on to hit the stumps. The decision was reversed, yielding South Africa a crucial wicket.

Video of the Exchange

The exchange between Temba Bavuma and de Kock. He has to respect Bavuma as a captain. pic.twitter.com/zo8KBKNiNA

— Ngqanga Nentsiba Zayo (@Intengu_drongo) September 27, 2026

South Africa Seal Series Despite Australia Fightback

The confrontation unfolded amid an impressive Australian pursuit that had initially placed South Africa under significant pressure. Openers Mitch Marsh and Travis Head laid a platform of 130 runs, both reaching half-centuries, before South Africa’s spin trio—Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram—combined for five wickets to swing the momentum decisively.

Bartlett’s blistering 50 off 26 balls briefly revived the visitors’ hopes, but Williams ultimately dismissed him with the yorker that triggered the DRS controversy. Earlier, a career-best 142 from David Miller and a composed 103 from Bavuma propelled South Africa to 365/9. The pair assembled a 156-run stand for the fourth wicket, while Australia’s Jack Edwards claimed 5/67. South Africa eventually bowled Australia out for 333 with two balls remaining, clinching the series and marking their sixth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph over their trans-Tasman rivals.

A convincing win for the Proteas in the end as they seal the series with a match to spare #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/1knhpmlRNI

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 28, 2026

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