The Herald (South Africa)

Proteas clinch one-day series with masterclas­s

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David Miller and Faf du Plessis plundered big-hitting centuries in a batting masterclas­s as SA beat Australia by 40 runs to win their one-day series and inflict another defeat on Justin Langer’s misfiring side.

The pair shared in a 252-run stand to power the Proteas to 320/5 in the third and final match in Hobart – a record fourth-wicket partnershi­p by SA against the hosts.

They came together at 55/3 in the 16th over, with Miller swatting 139 for his fifth limited-overs century and skipper Du Plessis smashing 125 – his 10th one-day ton.

A composed Shaun Marsh cracked a fighting 106 in the run chase, ably supported by Marcus Stoinis (63) and Alex Carey (42) – an improvemen­t on recent batting displays but still not good enough.

Pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn both took three wickets in controlled and discipline­d spells.

The victory handed SA their first ODI series win in Australia since 2009 and left Australia with plenty to ponder ahead of India’s arrival for a three-format tour.

“I thought we played our best game of cricket [of the tour],” Du Plessis said after clinching the series 2-1.

“We challenged ourselves to put in a performanc­e. From a batting point of view we were good, but from a bowling point of view we were excellent.”

Australian captain Aaron Finch praised the partnershi­p between Marsh and Stoinis, but admitted the South African attack was too hot to handle.

“They bowled exceptiona­lly well at the end, credit to them in the last 10 overs,” he said.

“After 35 overs we were in a great position but they took it away at the end.”

Both sides opted for unchanged lineups after Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to win the second match in Adelaide on Friday by seven runs. SA easily won the first in Perth by six wickets.

After winning the toss and putting the visitors in to bat, Australia got a dream start with Quinton de Kock out in the third over.

Mitchell Starc did the damage, bowling a perfect line and length, with De Kock getting a tickle on the ball and wicketkeep­er Carey taking the catch.

Aiden Markram smashed three sixes, including one huge blow off Stoinis that went out of the ground and down the street, with a new ball needed, on his way to 32.

But as he looked set for a big score, he flicked a Starc delivery down leg side to Carey, leaving SA struggling.

Then hard-hitting Miller joined skipper Du Plessis and the scoreboard began racing along.

Du Plessis was dropped on 29 and Miller escaped an lbw dismissal on 41 that was overturned on review.

They made the most of their second lives and began swinging their bats as Du Plessis reached his century in 105 balls with 11 fours and one six before falling to Stoinis going for another big hit at the death.

Miller made the landmark in 95 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, and was finally caught at deep midwicket off Josh Hazlewood in the last over. –

 ?? Picture: WILLIAM WEST/ AFP ?? TONS OF RUNS: SA batsmen David Miller, left, and Faf du Plessis celebrate scoring their centuries against Australia during the third one-day internatio­nal cricket match in Hobart, Australia, on Sunday
Picture: WILLIAM WEST/ AFP TONS OF RUNS: SA batsmen David Miller, left, and Faf du Plessis celebrate scoring their centuries against Australia during the third one-day internatio­nal cricket match in Hobart, Australia, on Sunday

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