SA vs AUS: South Africa Register Massive 164-Run Victory; Series Poised Nicely At 2-2

The 3^rd ODI between South Africa and Australia witnessed a run-fest as the home side registered a humongous 164-run victory. The 5-match ODI series between the two sides is now poised nicely at 2-2 and the 5^th ODI becomes an exciting and exhilarating encounter.

Batting first, South Africa posted an intimidating total of 416 runs on the board. South Africa’s batting was an epitome of class as they took the Australian bowlers to the cleaners.

Most of the batters of South Africa played well and they set up the entire match extremely well. Heinrich Klaasen was at his explosive best as he smashed 174 runs off just 83 balls. His innings was packed with flamboyance, explosiveness and firepower.

Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller stitched a 222-run partnership

Middle-order batters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller forged a fabulous 222-run partnership for the 5^th wicket and made sure that they power South Africa to a humongous total.

Klaasen activated his beast mode and simply sent shivers down the spines of the opposition bowlers because he showed no respite to the bowlers. Klaasen’s innings was laced with 13 fours and 13 sixes and he had a mind-boggling strike-rate of 209.64.

David Miller too joined forces and notched up a knock of 82* runs in just 45 deliveries. His innings was dotted with 6 fours and 5 sixes and he made sure that his entire team is in a commanding position in this game.

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged 2 wickets in this game. Marcus Stoinis, Michael Neser and Nathan Ellis bagged 1 wicket each.

Alex Carey’s fabulous innings went in vain

Chasing 417 runs was always going to be tough and intimidating for the batters of Australia. They tried their level best but ultimately failed to reach even near the total. Australia managed to put up 252 runs on the board and were bowled out by the 35^th over.

Alex Carey scored 99 runs and narrowly missed out on a brilliant century. None of the other batters of Australia found their bearings in this match and they tasted a big defeat.

The 5^th and the final ODI between these two sides will be played on 17^th September 2023. It will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Sandton and is slated to kick-start from 1:30 PM (IST).

Squads

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (c), Dewald Brevis, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton De kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Henrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada

Australia

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

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