Cape Town: David Warner (173, 136b, 24×4) hit a magnificent century for Australia but could not prevent South Africa from completing a clean sweep by winning the fifth and final ODI by 31 runs at Newlands here Wednesday evening.
Warner made a valiant effort, but received scant support from his teammates as Australia, chasing South Africa’s 327 for eight, were bowled out for 296.
South Africa won all five matches in the series, the first time Australia have suffered such a beating in a five-game bilateral series. Australia however, will retain their No.1 ranking in ODIs, with South Africa two points behind in second place.
“Davey (Warner) was phenomenal but the rest of us didn’t stand up,” said Australian captain Steve Smith after the end of the game. “Credit to South Africa, we’ve been outplayed in all the games.”
Rilee Rossouw hit 122 (118b, 14×4, 2×6) and JP Duminy made 73 (75b, 8×4) as South Africa recovered from 52 for three to pile up the third-highest total in an ODI at Newlands, making them firm favourites on a ground where the highest successful run chase has been 258.
Warner was dropped by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Kagiso Rabada when he had 11. He kept Australia with a sniff of victory until he was ninth out with the total on 288, dismissed by a throw from the point boundary by Imran Tahir, desperate for a risky second run in order to keep the strike.
Leg-spinner Tahir had earlier taken two wickets in his first over, ending an opening stand of 72 between Warner and Aaron Finch, then bowling Smith two balls later.
South African captain Faf du Plessis paid tribute to Warner for an ‘incredible innings’ but said South Africa deserved their series triumph. “At different times different guys stood up. Whatever Australia threw at us we had the answers. I’m very proud of the team,” stated Du Plessis.
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both made 35 but Australia were not able to stage a big partnership such as the 178 off 170 balls posted by Rossouw and Duminy for the fourth wicket.
Australia’s bowlers made a good start after South Africa won the toss, with Scott Boland (2/69) having De Kock caught at cover and Joe Mennie (3/49) bowling both Hashim Amla and Du Plessis.
Rossouw hit the ball with great power while Duminy was the ideal partner with a combination of silky stroke play and good running between the wickets.
Brief scores: South Africa 327 for 8 (Rilee Rossouw 122, JP Duminy 73; Joe Mennie 3/49) beat Australia 296 in 48.2 overs (David Warner 173; Kyle Abbott 2/48, Imran Tahir 2/42) by 31 runs.
Agence France-Presse
