Aus down SA to clinch ODI series
22 Nov 2014 11:30 PM GMT
Steve Smith (in pic) hit a thrilling century to propel Australia to a three-wicket victory over South Africa to clinch the five-game one-day international series in Melbourne on Friday.
Man-of-the-match Smith cracked 104 off 112 balls as Australia stormed home to overhaul South Africa’s 267 for eight to win with an over to spare. The victory wrapped up the ODI series 3-1 over the Proteas ahead of Sunday’s final game in Sydney. The Proteas looked in control for most of Australia’s innings, reducing the home side to 98 for five in the 25th over, before Smith turned the tide with a ground record 121-run sixth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Matt Wade.
As Smith and Wade accelerated the scoring rate the South African bowling and fielding became ragged under pressure and in the end the Australians were an irresistible force surging to victory.
When Wade was brilliantly caught in the outfield by a diving Ryan McLaren for 52 off 94 balls, James Faulkner came in and slammed an unbeaten 34 with six fours.
Man-of-the-match Smith cracked 104 off 112 balls as Australia stormed home to overhaul South Africa’s 267 for eight to win with an over to spare. The victory wrapped up the ODI series 3-1 over the Proteas ahead of Sunday’s final game in Sydney. The Proteas looked in control for most of Australia’s innings, reducing the home side to 98 for five in the 25th over, before Smith turned the tide with a ground record 121-run sixth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Matt Wade.
As Smith and Wade accelerated the scoring rate the South African bowling and fielding became ragged under pressure and in the end the Australians were an irresistible force surging to victory.
When Wade was brilliantly caught in the outfield by a diving Ryan McLaren for 52 off 94 balls, James Faulkner came in and slammed an unbeaten 34 with six fours.
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