South Africa v Australia 3rd T20I – 5 Talking Points

After South Africa’s success chasing in recent matches, Faf du Plessis decided they needed to have another go at defending a total and opted to set Australia a target on a slow Newlands pitch. The move didn’t work for the home side as the Aussies registered a comfortable win to take the series and, more importantly, some much-needed confidence ahead of the World T20. Hashim Amla returned in grand style to take the home side to 178/4 however the visitors batted solidly to ensure a win at the picturesque ground.

1. Amla’s cracking return:

South Africa opted to rest AB de Villiers and give Hashim Amla an opportunity to open with Quinton de Kock. The move worked brilliantly as the elegant right-hander made a sensational unbeaten 97 off 62 balls to carry his bat through the innings. His knock was filled with 8 fours and 4 sixes. When in flow, Amla is a delight to watch and he entertained the Newlands’ faithful with a batting master- class. He was well supported by de Kock (25) and David Miller (30).

2. Rilee Rossouw’s uncomfortable stay:

The South African innings was given a flying start by their openers Amla and de Kock. The wicket-keeper batsman scored a rapid 25 off 13 balls and was the first to go after he set the ball rolling for the home side while the classy Amla also kept playing his strokes. The departure of Faf du Plessis (4 off 7) brought the left-handed Rilee Rossouw to the crease in the 8th over and at the end of it SA were 75/2 going at a run-rate of 9.37. Rossouw’s uncharacteristic knock of 16 off 21 balls slowed down the proceeding and brought the Aussies right back in the contest. He could manage only one four and struggled to find his timing. The return of AB is likely to witness Rossouw’s ouster from the playing eleven for the World T20.

3. Zampa’s spell:

The leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the most impressive Australian bowler on show. He bowled out his 4 overs at a stretch and brought his team back in the match with a miserly spell of 0/23. He should have had a wicket, however, was unlucky as Glenn Maxwell dropped a sitter at deep midwicket after Rossouw had gone for a slog sweep in the 11th over. SA could have run away with the game and got a bigger total however the leggie’s spell helped to put the brakes on the scoring rate. Zampa’s spell should give the team management the confidence it needed ahead of the mega event in India. The slowness of the Indian surfaces will encourage the talented Aussie to toss the ball and go for wickets.

4. Aussie top order fires:

The visitors started the run-chase in commanding fashion and always looked in control thereafter. Usman Khawaja made 33 off 25 balls including 4 fours and 1 six. He supported Shane Watson who was hammering the ball at the other end. Watson’s 42 off 27 included 2 fours and 3 sixes. Steve Smith hammered 44 off 26 balls courtesy 2 fours and an equal number of sixes while David Warner’s impressive run at number 4 also continued as he stroked a fine 27-ball 33 with the help of 3 fours. Maxwell made an unbeaten 19 off 10 that featured 2 fours and an audacious six in the penultimate over.

5. South African bowlers prove expensive:

The bowlers had a lacklustre outing for the home side. Much was expected from the experience and form of Imran Tahir, however, he gave 38 runs off his 4 overs. He did pick up 2 quick wickets in the form of the openers in the 9th over however failed to make an impact thereafter. Rabada also gave 38 off his 4 overs while Abbott gave 32 off 3.2. David Wiese bowled 2 overs for 23 while JP Duminy’s equal number of overs went for 18. Dale Steyn was the most economical bowler with 0/30 from 4. The Proteas will be disappointed with the overall effort after they had a strong start in the match with the bat.