Johannesburg witnessed high drama yesterday, September 27, 2026, as a tense moment unfolded between South African skipper Temba Bavuma and star wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock during a decisive DRS call in the second One-Day International against Australia.
The Proteas eventually triumphed by 32 runs, clinching the three-match series with a game to spare, but not before a public disagreement over a review for a rampant Xavier Bartlett had tempers flaring.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, occurred during the crucial slog overs of Australia’s chase at the Wanderers Stadium. Australian all-rounder Xavier Bartlett was single-handedly keeping his side’s hopes alive, having smashed a blistering 26-ball half-century. In the 48th over, pacer Lizaad Williams delivered a yorker that beat Bartlett’s bat, striking him on the back leg. Despite Williams’ confident appeal for LBW, the on-field umpire gave it not out.
DRS Drama Unfolds
What followed was a tense discussion that escalated into a heated exchange. While Williams was eager to review the decision, Quinton de Kock, positioned behind the stumps, appeared unconvinced and reluctant, seemingly believing the ball was heading down the leg side. However, captain Temba Bavuma, after a brief but intense conversation with De Kock, opted to overrule his keeper and signal for the DRS.
The replay confirmed Bavuma’s conviction; the ball was indeed hitting the stumps, and the decision was overturned, sending a furious Bartlett back to the pavilion. At the time of his dismissal, Australia still needed 44 runs from 14 deliveries, a task that proved too steep for the remaining tailenders.
South Africa vs Australia – Match Details and Series Win
The victory was hard-fought for South Africa, who had posted a formidable 365/9 earlier in the innings, with Bavuma himself scoring a magnificent 103 runs from 116 balls. De Kock, by contrast, had been dismissed cheaply by Josh Hazlewood, continuing a trend from the first ODI. Australia were eventually bowled out for 333, marking their highest-ever score in a losing ODI chase.
This triumph in Johannesburg sealed the ODI series 2-0 for the Proteas against their arch-rivals.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Match | 2nd ODI, Australia in South Africa 3-match Series, 2026 |
| Teams | South Africa vs. Australia |
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Start Time | 08:00 AM GMT (10:00 AM SAST) |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Result | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| Series Status | South Africa lead 2-0 |
This isn’t the first time Bavuma and De Kock have been at odds on a public stage; a notable disagreement occurred during the 2021 T20 World Cup regarding the ‘take the knee’ gesture, highlighting a complex dynamic within the Proteas leadership. Despite the visible tension, South Africa’s decisive series win underscores their formidable form, setting an exciting tone for the upcoming Test series between the two cricketing powerhouses, which begins in Durban on October 9.