South Africa claimed a 32-run victory over Australia at the Wanderers on Sunday, securing another series win. The home team, clad in pink kit to raise awareness about breast cancer, posted a total of 366, with hundreds from captain Temba Bavuma and David Miller. Australia's chase got off to a flying start, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head sharing a 130-run partnership off 102 balls. However, the momentum shifted once Bjorn Fortuin broke Marsh's defence, allowing South Africa to build pressure.
Australia's initial overs from Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin didn't yield success, but the Proteas eventually got a foothold. The returning Aiden Markram added to South Africa's spin quota, and the 18 overs from the 24th to the 42nd saw Australia score 82 runs for the loss of four wickets. Marsh blasted 84 off 53 balls, and Head made the same score but off 76 deliveries. However, their momentum vanished as Australia's batting line-up struggled against spin.
The Proteas' spin trio of Markram, Maharaj, and Fortuin shared five wickets and conceded 179 runs in 30 overs. Until tail-ender Xavier Bartlett began blasting the ball towards the end, Australia had looked at sea. South Africa's innings was dominated by two significant knocks from players under pressure. Bavuma, the captain, showed patience and didn't let bad balls pass him by, exemplified by the six he pulled off Josh Hazlewood.
Bavuma and Miller formed a crucial partnership, with Miller giving the innings impetus and relieving some stress on Bavuma. Their fourth-wicket partnership was worth 156 runs off 132 balls, with the bulk of the scoring coming against Australia's spinners. Australia bowled 16 overs of spin, conceding 133 runs, with frontline tweaker Adam Zampa going for 77 runs in nine overs.
Bavuma celebrated his first ODI century in three years and sixth overall, before being dismissed for 103, which included 10 fours and two sixes. Miller, who reached his eighth century in the format, directed a touching tribute towards his mother, Jenny, whose name adorned the back of his shirt. She's been fighting her own battle with cancer, and Miller's emotional outpouring was a heart-warming moment.
The jerseys worn by the Proteas on Sunday carried the names of breast cancer fighters or survivors, instead of their own names. Miller's fourth hundred against Australia saw him surpass his previous best score of 139. His innings included a dozen fours and nine sixes, showcasing his characteristic thunderous blows.
The win was sealed with a flurry of wickets at the death, as debutant Jake Edwards ended up with 5/60. The Jansen twins, Duan and another player, played their part in pushing the Proteas total beyond 350. The South African team will name their Test squad on Monday, which is expected to include Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
Key points
- South Africa secured a 32-run win over Australia, thanks to centuries from Temba Bavuma and David Miller.
- The win sealed another series victory for South Africa, who will consider preparing "dust bowls" for the upcoming Test series.
- David Miller's century was a significant milestone, surpassing his previous best score of 139 against Australia.
