South Africa Wins The Final ODI against Australia at the Wanderers
Just on the eve of the World Cup 2023, South Africa has found a great momentum with astounding 3-2 ODI series win over Australia. On Sunday at a full-house Wanderers stadium, South Africa batted first and scored 315-9 with some key contributions of the middle order, while Australia was bundled out for 193 in 34.1 overs, with Marco Jansen taking 5-39.
The match ended with South Africa winning by 122 runs and most importantly, it was their third straight ODI win after being 2-0 behind earlier in the series. Quinton de Kock, the opener, scored 27 in his final ODI at home, as he is retiring from the format after the World Cup.
South Africa had a shaky start of their batting innings. Temba Bavuma was run-out by Marnus Labuschagne in the second over, it was unfortunate for the skipper because he was the man in form. However, the middle order of South African batting line-up ensued a great recovery.
Klaasen Delivers Epic Knock as South Africa Beats Australia
Aiden Markram was the top scorer for South Africa with 93 runs off 87 balls, while David Miller scored 63 runs off 65 balls before Abbott dismissed him. By the time both batters were departed, they had already shared a substantial 109 runs partnership.
South Africa are not favourites for the World Cup but the way they have been playing, other teams will definitely sense a serious threat when facing them. Also, this victory gives South Africa an advantage over Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup next month.
Other than Markram and Miller, South Africa’s competitive total was significantly enhanced by impressive performances from their lower-order batters who hit some lusty blows in last 6 overs. At the number 7 position, Jansen played a quick-fire innings, scoring 47 runs off just 23 deliveries.
Marco Jansen Stars with Bat & Ball for South Africa
Similarly, at number 8, Andile Phehlukwayo made a valuable contribution and the finishing touch South Africa needed. Phehlukwayo scored 39 off 19 deliveries, adding 34 runs in last two overs to team’s total. These quick-fire knocks allowed South Africa to set a challenging target for Australia in the ODI series.
Adam Zampa, the Australian spinner, may have found some solace after he dismissed his antagonist destroyer Heinrich Klaasen. In the fourth ODI, Zampa had conceded 113 runs, which was a record-equalling figure, the most conceded in an ODI game.
However, in the recent game, Zampa managed to take three wickets for 71 runs. In the previous match, South Africa had won by 164 runs, with Heinrich Klaasen scoring a remarkable 174 off just 83 balls to level the series at 2-2. However, in the recent game, Zampa bowled Klaasen for just six runs.
In response to South Africa’s total, Australian captain Mitch Marsh scored 71 runs off 56 balls, including six fours and six sixes, while Marnus Labuschagne scored a slower 44. Maybe their attacking mindset worked against them this time as the top five batters were undone while trying to be aggresive. Left-arm bowler Marco Jansen claimed all these five wickets, leading to Australia’s misery.
Australia had a chance to win the ODI series against South Africa, just as it had done in the three-match T20 contest, after winning the first two ODIs. South Africa on the other hand, had other plans. They are known for reselience and they made a terrific comeback by winning the third ODI by 111 runs. This victory marked the beginning of South Africa’s revival in the series, which they eventually won 3-2.
South Africa’s first match in the upcoming World Cup will be against Sri Lanka on October 7th, while Australia will face the host team India on the following day.
