International cricket returns to far‑north Queensland as Australia host South Africa in the first One‑Day International of their three‑match series at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns. The day‑night contest starts at 05:30 BST (10:00 local time) on 19 August 2025, and it will be the first ODI at this venue since 2022. Australia come into the series buoyed by their 2‑1 victory in the preceding T20Is, while the Proteas are searching for momentum after an inconsistent run of 50‑over cricket.
Form Guide
Australia
The hosts won the recent T20I series 2–1 and will hope to translate that confidence into the longer format. However, their recent 50‑over results have been patchy. Australia suffered group‑stage defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Champions Trophy earlier this year and were beaten by India during the March tri‑series. Despite that, there is optimism that a balanced XI and home conditions can set them back on track.
- Won the T20I series against South Africa 2–1 but lost recent ODI matches to India and Sri Lanka.
- Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh provide a mix of reliability and aggression at the top of the order.
- Bowling attack led by Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis with spin options Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann.
South Africa
South Africa’s ODI form has been inconsistent. After suffering defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand, they managed wins over England and Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy earlier this year. The Proteas lost the T20I series in Australia but have the batting firepower to challenge if they can convert starts into big scores.
- Underwhelming in recent ODIs, falling short in the Champions Trophy semi‑finals and a winless tri‑series in Pakistan.
- Captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and young sensation Dewald Brevis provide class and explosive stroke‑play.
- Pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch with left‑arm spinner Keshav Maharaj offering control.
Key Players
Australia
- Travis Head – The explosive left‑hander struggled for rhythm in the T20I series but thrives in ODIs and will look to lay a solid foundation at the top.
- Marnis ability to rotate strike will be vital against South Africa’s varied attack.
- Josh Hazlewood – A master of seam and bounce, Hazlewood’s new‑ball spell could set the tone. He will be supported by fellow quicks Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis.
South Africa
- Dewald Brevis – The 22‑year‑old prodigy smashed a 41‑ball century in the recent T20Is. His fearless batting can change games if he carries that form into ODIs.
- Temba Bavuma – The captain’s technique and temperament make him South Africa’s stabiliser. A big score from Bavuma will boost the Proteas’ chances.
- Kagiso Rabada – South Africa’s pace spearhead generates speed and movement and will be looking to exploit any early assistance offered by the Cairns pitch.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Cazaly’s Stadium is hosting its first ODI since 2022 and offers a unique challenge. The concrete‑hard surface initially helps fast bowlers before flattening under lights. Dew becomes a factor after the 35th over, making grip difficult for spinners. Only five ODIs have been played here, with teams batting first averaging just 189 runs, though Australia’s highest score at the venue is 267‑5 against New Zealand in 2022. Chasing teams have won three of those matches, so captains may prefer to bowl first.
Cairns experiences tropical warmth in August. Expect temperatures in the mid‑20s Celsius, high humidity and a chance of showers during the evening. Conditions may change quickly, so batting under lights could be slightly easier once the pitch settles.
Australia v South Africa – Prediction
While South Africa possess firepower with the bat and a dangerous pace attack, Australia’s depth and home advantage make them slight favourites. The hosts should feel comfortable with the conditions and boast a balanced XI that blends experience with youth. If the Australian top order fires and Hazlewood strikes early, expect them to edge out the Proteas. However, an inspired performance from South Africa’s top three could quickly tilt the balance.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Travis Head – Capable of rapid scoring at the top, Head will be a popular captaincy choice in fantasy leagues.
- Dewald Brevis – Offers dual value as an aggressive batter and occasional leg‑spinner; his recent form makes him a must‑have pick.
- Kagiso Rabada – Australia’s batting is vulnerable to high‑class pace, and Rabada’s wicket‑taking ability could yield plenty of points.
Cricket fans in Cairns and around the world can anticipate a fascinating contest as two proud cricketing nations renew their rivalry in tropical North Queensland. With the series opener likely to set the tone, both sides will be eager to start strongly and gain early momentum.
