Wood over the Kangaroos? Well, if you win 10 out of the last 11 meetings, then you sure have the wood! Smith, Warner, no Smith, no Warner, Australia simply cannot find a way to get past the Proteas in ODIs. They were on a losing streak against them when the duo was banned but have still not got back to winning ways in spite of their comeback. What remains is the fossil this series - a dead rubber - can Australia avoid a whitewash? The answer will be given on Saturday, 7th March, 2020 when the third ODI begins at 10 am local (0800 GMT) at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. Join us then. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Victorious South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, says that it is never good as a chasing side to lose an early wicket but praises his side to put in good partnerships. Feels Australia played with good intent and hence got off to a flier but credits his own bowlers for bouncing back. Is happy to see Lungi Ngidi perform well, especially in the absence of Kagiso Rabada. On the prospect of a bright South African future, de Kock says that is what this series is all about, giving his youngsters more chances. On the possibility of a series whitewash in Potchefstroom, de Kock says that the first aim was to win the series - now that is done, they will look to keep the foot down on the pedal and inflict a whitewash. On his team gelling well and supporting him as a skipper, Quinton says that he has hardly done anything so far as a skipper and it is his team which has done everything.

Janneman Malan cheekily says that he was relieved when he faced his first ball. Thanks every partner who forged a stand with him and says that they kept him calm. Admits that the ball skidded onto the track once the sun set down and with the ball getting wet in the outfield, more aid came across.

Ngidi says that his coach gave him a challenge, to try and knock down Australia's big there and he is happy to have done well. Admits that there were a lot of cross-seam balls which were bowled. Adds that he is working really hard on his death-bowling skills. Coming out of injury successfully, Lungi says that he is looking pretty confident these days and he is aiming to keep the momentum going.

Surprise, surprise! Both Janneman Malan and Lungi Ngidi have been named the Men Of The Match!

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says that his team was 20-30 runs short with the bat. Praises the bowlers for trying hard and also the South Africans for playing smart cricket, especially Heinrich Klaasen, who changed the momentum completely. Rues the lack of partnerships during Australia's batting and cites the difference as his side getting two 70s while the opposition got one man who scored a century. Admits that batting at the death is something that Australia are continuously working upon and need to improve. Is happy that D'Arcy Short is finally getting rewards for his hard work. Ends by saying that his bowlers tried hard but just could not get consistent breakthroughs.

Earlier in the afternoon, Australia played the way they normally do these days - get a quickfire start, then slow down in the middle overs, seem to get back on track, only to get derailed at the death. One believes that it is the final phase that cost them here. Just 49/6 in Powerplay 3. At 222/4 in 40 overs, they would have been expecting 300. Not saying that would have been enough, but psychologically, it would have helped. Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo bowled their hearts out, with the former taking a 6-fer and the latter not giving much away. Please stay tuned for the presentation...

Signs for the future! Janneman Malan - scoring his maiden international century. Heinrich Klaasen - scoring his third 50-plus score in his last 4 international white-ball outings. Lungi Ngidi - taking his maiden ODI 5-fer. Are these signs of a good revamped side forming? We sure believe they are. The 23-year old Jaaneman Malan took the mantle upon his young shoulders, staying unbeaten till the end, forging partnerships with Smuts, Klaasen and Miller. South Africa needed a set batsman to anchor through and some partnerships - they got both.

Australia are looking downcast. It is one thing that you underperform and lose, but you bat decently, bowl well, yet, turn up on the losing side, without much experience in the opposition, is a slightly sour pill to swallow. The start was excellent, with Starc dismissing de Kock on the third ball of the run chase but after that, Australia had to struggle for wickets. They had to face three 50-plus stands in the process and apart for a few minutes during the 21st-25th over, never did the Proteas look out of shape. Zampa bowled really well but no one else could support him much because there was not much swing or turn on offer.

Fantastic run chase. Chasing 272 is no mean feat but South Africa have gunned this down as comprehensively as they possibly could. Did we say that the game was over when de Kock was out for a duck? Well, we have been proved totally wrong.

Pat Cummins is back on. 9-1-48-1 so far.