There is still drama, passion, and excellent entertainment to be found in the one-day international rivalry between South Africa and Australia. After South Africa’s emphatic 98-run victory in the 1st ODI in Cairns, the spotlight now shifts to Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena for the second game of this three-match series. The Proteas lead 1-0, and a win here will seal the series, while the Aussies are desperate to bounce back and level things.

The second ODI will be held in the Great Barrier Reef Arena, making local history as the first international game to be played at this beautiful venue. The strip normally rewards quicks early on, providing comfortable carry, but the second half always favors spin and subtle variations of slower balls, so anticipate the batsmen to change their plans as the day progresses.

One of the fiercest ODI rivalries in cricket history is that between South Africa and Australia.

South Africa holds a slight edge historically, and their recent form gives them confidence going into this match.

Australia enters the must-win match under siege. Their batting collapse in the first ODI exposed their struggle against spin. Mitchell Marsh put up a heroic 88, but they only managed to collapse for 198, chasing 297.

The Proteas’ performance in Cairns was near-perfect. Aiden Markram (82) and Temba Bavuma (half-century) gave them a strong platform, while Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul dismantled Australia’s batting order. Without Rabada, their bowling still looked sharp, with Burger and Ngidi providing the pace punch.

Mitchell Marsh vs. Keshav Maharaj

• Marsh looked solid in Cairns, but Maharaj’s variations will test his patience again.

Aiden Markram vs. Josh Hazlewood

• Hazlewood’s accuracy vs. Markram’s attacking stroke play could decide the powerplay momentum.

Dewald Brevis vs. Adam Zampa

• Young Brevis loves taking on spinners, but Zampa’s guile could challenge his shot selection.

If Australia sets the total, expect them to post somewhere between 290 and 300, then defend that lead to victory by more than 40 runs thanks to tough middle-overs bowling and clever variations. If the Proteas bat first, target the 285 to 295 range and chase down late with the quicks, clinching the match by 30 to 40 runs through discreet late-order acceleration. I lean toward the latter scenario, with a minor total that enables the spinners to put Australia back under scrutiny and the chase to equal a steamroll and hence, the team will claw back and win, leveling the series 1-1.

The second One-Day International between Australia and South Africa in Mackay appears to be a thrilling match. The Proteas come with confidence after defeating Australia on the road in Cairns, but Australian teams seldom lose consecutive home games in 50-over cricket. It creates the backdrop for a dramatic duel, where the spin in the middle overs and the runs from the first powerplay are crucial in determining the key moments.

Our forecast is that the home team will come together and win, but the anticipated drama on the scoreboard, shifts in momentum, and important overs will definitely keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game. Three markets offer delectable value for the punters: total runs in the powerplay, top home batter, and the leading wicket-taker. Keep a sharp eye on Maharaj, Bavuma, and Marsh for specials.

• Australia vs. South Africa 2nd ODI Prediction: a narrow home win, maybe 20 to 30 runs.

• Australia to win and level the series 1-1.