Australia scrambled over the line for a two-wicket victory in the fifth one-day international against South Africa yesterday to move back to the top of the world rankings less than three months before the Cricket World Cup.
The win was a tricky one, after South Africa’s Robin Peterson created a tense final from what had looked like a stroll to a convincing 4-1 series triumph for the hosts when Steve Smith departed for 67 with Australia 11 runs from their target of 275.
The South Africa spinner (4-32) did most of the damage as the hosts lost four wickets for three runs, but James Faulkner held his nerve to smash the winning runs off the first ball of the final over.
Photo: AFP
For much of the evening, though, South Africa looked like they were mentally on the plane home and unlikely to defend their original tally of 280 for six, let alone the amended target put in place after a short storm.
Australia’s masterblaster openers set about the chase in typical flamboyant fashion, but David Warner (21) had already departed when the rain delay reduced their allocation of overs to 48.
However, there was no stalling Aaron Finch and he put on 100 with Shane Watson before falling for 76 to a brilliant piece of fielding from Faf du Plessis.
South Africa’s bowling seemed to lack bite without Dale Steyn and Watson cashed in with 82 off 93 balls, clubbing a second huge six a couple of balls before holing out to Roussouw at deep midwicket.
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