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South Africa turned a nightmare start into a memorable series victory as Temba Bavuma and David Miller produced sublime centuries to beat Australia by 32 runs at the Wanderers on Sunday, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The Proteas were rocked immediately when Aiden Markram was dismissed from the first ball of the match, before Quinton de Kock followed for just 15.

What followed was exactly the kind of response South Africa needed.

Bavuma steadied the innings with a composed 103 from 116 balls, while Miller launched an extraordinary assault on the Australian attack, smashing 142 from just 93 deliveries.

The pair shared a crucial 156-run fourth-wicket partnership, rebuilding the innings before turning the pressure back onto Australia.

Bavuma brought up his century from 112 balls but was dismissed soon afterwards when he holed out off Jack Edwards. Miller, however, was only getting started.

He reached his hundred from 73 balls and continued attacking deep into the innings, eventually helping South Africa to an imposing 365-9.

Miller’s innings was packed with power, featuring 12 fours and nine sixes. He was also supported late in the innings by the Jansen brothers, Marco and Duan, as the Proteas surged beyond 350.

Australia’s bowling plans were disrupted by Nathan Ellis’ side strain, which limited the seamer to just four overs. Edwards, making only his second ODI appearance, still managed to claim five wickets.

The target was Australia’s biggest successful-chase challenge in ODI cricket, but the visitors showed little sign of being intimidated early on.

Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh tore into the South African attack, putting together a 130-run opening stand.

Both batsmen reached 84, but neither could push on to produce the sort of match-defining innings Bavuma and Miller had delivered for the Proteas.

Once the opening partnership was broken, South Africa gradually tightened its grip, picking up wickets regularly through the middle overs.

Australia still had a chance thanks to Xavier Bartlett, who produced a remarkable 26-ball half-century to keep the chase alive.

But the required rate eventually became too much.

Bartlett was trapped lbw by a superb Lizaad Williams yorker, leaving Australia needing 44 runs from the final 14 balls.

The chase ended soon afterwards, with Australia bowled out for 333 to hand South Africa a 32-run victory.

The result gives the Proteas an unassailable lead in the three-match series with one game still to play.

The final ODI will take place in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, before the teams turn their attention to a three-match Test series.

For South Africa, however, the Wanderers victory will be remembered for the remarkable turnaround after losing a wicket from the very first ball, and for the batting brilliance of Bavuma and Miller that ultimately put the series beyond Australia’s reach.

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Picture: Sydney Seshipedi / Gallo Images

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