We take a look at the five defining moments from the Proteas’ whitewash ODI series victory against Australia, driven by Suzuki SA.
1st ODI – Quinny’s 178
With the Proteas set 294 for victory in the first ODI at Centurion, it was anyone’s guess at that stage as to who would win the first match, or indeed the series. That was very quickly dispelled with a 145-run partnership between Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw. De Kock then went on to produce one of the best knocks in South African ODI clothing – his 178 surpassing Herschelle Gibbs’ 175 as the second-highest score in SA history. It took just 113 balls, 11 sixes were struck, and the six-wicket victory set the tone for the rest of the series.
2nd ODI – Faf & Duminy’s 150
On to the second ODI at the Wanderers with the Proteas looking to carry the Centurion momentum through with them, Faf du Plessis produced a captain’s knock of 111 in a 150-run stand with JP Duminy, to see his side post 361-6 – the fourth-highest ODI total at the Wanderers. Duminy looked in excellent touch and his return to form was a huge plus for the whole side. Du Plessis led from the front with his knock and it did wonders to his confidence as a captain for the rest of the series.
3rd ODI – Miller & Phehlukwayo’s epic
Andile Phehlukwayo had already stamped his presence with his 4-44 in the first ODI, and his credentials as an all-rounder fell under the spotlight in the match in Durban. With David Miller running out of partners, Phehlukwayo came in with the side still needing 107 runs with 12 overs remaining. Phehlukwayo proved a sparkling supporting act with 42 not out, as the side secured the second-highest successful chase of all time. Miller’s unbeaten 118 will go down as one of the great second-innings knocks, for the Proteas to secure the series.
4th ODI – Abbott’s 4-40
South Africa rang in the changes with a completely new-look bowling attack, but that didn’t stop them from making it 4-0. They expressed their depth in the bowling department with Aaron Phangiso, Tabraiz Shamsi and Kyle Abbott taking nine wickets between them. Abbott was the star, with a Man-of-the-Match 4-40, allowing a comfortable six-wicket victory.
5th ODI – Rossouw’s form
With a historic whitewash victory in the Proteas’ sights, the hosts needed one final push to complete the 5-0 rout, and they found that in Rilee Rossouw, two fractures to his finger and all. Merely in the squad as batting cover going into the series, he opened with two fifties and closed with a run-a-ball century, to emerge as South Africa’s highest run-scorer and the Man of the Series, as the Proteas completed the 31-run victory and a famous series triumph.
