South Africa v Australia, 3rd ODI Review: Miller blitz scripts a superb series win for the Proteas

South Africa snatched a thrilling 4 wicket over Australia in the potential series decider to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5 match ODI series. The Proteas completed a hat-trick of back to back perfect performances, chasing down a staunch target of 372 runs to win set by Australia batting first. The victory was courtesy to Quinton de Kock’s fiery 70 runs knock and David Miller’s whirlwind 79 balls 118 which gave the finishing touches to the win.

The chase began on a smooth note with De Kock and Hashim Amla putting up a steady 66 runs for the first wicket. fast bowlers Tremain and Worrall were once again handed a beating. Amla, who returned to the starting XI after missing the first two games, played out of his skin today and hit an attacking 45 off just 33 balls before becoming the first one to depart.

De Kock, however, continued to look in fine rhythm and added run at great pace. But, the momentum slowed down a bit as skipper Faf Du Plessis, who thrashed the Australians in the last game, looked off color today but still put up an impressive 74 runs stand with De Kock for the second wicket. However, his inability to settle down quickly on a wicket which offered true bounce to hit the ball as per wish eventually mounted pressure on him and resulted in his downfall after making just 33.

The South Africans were pushed on the back foot after Du Plessis’ fall. Australian bowlers slowly began bringing in Australia back into the game. The next 15 overs saw the hosts lose key wickets. Rilee Rossouw, who churned two fifties in the last two games, was a failure today and had to be satisfied with just 18 runs against his name. JP Duminy also flunked. The biggest setback was De Kock’s departure.

The run rate was not an issue but the Australian bowlers had begun to chip in with wickets at regular intervals. But, then began the turnaround. Left-hander David Miller walked in and went smashing the Aussies all the way to play a blinder and eventually end the match in his team’s favor.

He walked in the 24th over and hammered the visitors till the last over to remain not out for a match winning 118. His 79 balls knock was studded with 10 fours and 6 sixes. Much credit also goes to tail-ender Phehlukwayo, who played  a stunning 39 ball 42 run knock and played perfect partner to Miller.

The Australian will be mighty disappointed with the loss, especially after batting so well earlier in the day. The Australians dominated the proteas bowlers right from the first over after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Opener David Warner and Aaron Finch began the proceedings with a scintillating 110 runs stand for the first wicket. Both the batsmen finally looked in their old form and played in an aggressive mood. It could be easily sensed that the game was going to be a high scoring one given the way they dealt with the South African bowlers. The stand flourished till 13.1 overs before Finch just after completing his fifty.

But, his departure did more good for the batting side than bad as Steven Smith and Warner then combined together to form a match-defining 124 run stand for the second wicket. warner also went on to complete hi 17th century while building this stand. The partnership, which ended only after Warner lost his wicket in the 35th over, laid the platform for the huge total followed.

George Bailey (28 from 18 balls) however made sure that momentum was intact and stitched a small 46 run stand for the 3rd wicket with Steven Smith (108 from 107 balls) who went on to emulate David Warner and register his century. Travis Head (35 from 27 balls) applied the finishing touch to the innings and played short attacking cameos towards the end to take Australia to a highly formidable total.

Brief Scores:

Australia: 371/6 in 50 overs (D Warner 117; Imran Tahir 2/54)

South Africa: 372/6 in 49.2 overs (D Miller 118; J Hastings 2/79)

Man of the Match: David Miller