We pinpoint the key factors from South Africa’s defeat to Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
Shot of the Day: Farhaan Behardien backed away and drove Mitchell Starc over cover for six. The really impressive part, though, was that Starc was angling the ball back into leg-stump at over 140Km/H, but it still disappeared into the crowd.
Delivery of the Day: Robin Peterson isn’t renowned for spinning the ball prodigious distances, but he got one to really rip near the end of the match. He floated a delivery wide outside Matthew Wade’s off-stump, inviting the drive. Wade obliged and after dipping nicely, the ball ripped through the gate and into the middle-stump.
Batsman of the Match: Quinton de Kock played with a great deal of maturity at the top of the order. He made the most of a start, as all good top-order batsmen are taught, scoring the only century of the match.
Bowler of the Match: Despite not even nearly bowling his full quota, Robin Peterson was the pick of the bowlers. His 6.1 overs yielded figures of 4-32, including a double-wicket maiden at the death that almost swung the result in South Africa’s favour.
Fielder of the Match: Faf du Plessis once again wins the award for a brilliant piece of fielding on the boundary, but Rilee Rossouw was needed as the supporting act. Aaron Finch was going well and looked to have found the fence again, but Du Plessis took a great catch before his momentum took him over the rope. However, some quick thinking saw him flick the ball to Rossouw who has made some good ground to support and completed a spectacular dismissal.
Milestone of the Day: Quinton de Kock registered his first ODI hundred on Australian soil. It’s a big moment for the young opener as it will give him plenty of confidence ahead of the World Cup next year. He also became the first South African to score an ODI century on the famous ground.
Fail of the Day: Kyle Abbott bowled Steve Smith, the man who took the hosts to victory in the previous two encounters, off a no-ball. He was on just 20 and struggling at the time, but started to find his touch after the incident and once again played a key role in Australia’s win.
Key Juncture: Steve Smith was caught behind for 32, regulation on hot spot and snicko, but Morne Morkel didn’t bother appealing and Quinton de Kock only let out a polite enquiry. Smith made the most of his good fortune, scoring 67 and taking Australia to the brink of victory.
Selection Poser: South Africa missed the leader of their attack when the ball was flying to all corners during the first half of the chase. Dale Steyn could have provided the aggression at the point and his competitive nature could have possible sealed victory for his side at the death.
Quote of the Day: ‘South Africa should take their batting power play from overs 11-15. It’s the way it used to happen in ODI cricket and the players at the top can carry on batting the way they have in the first 10 overs.’ – Former Proteas captain Shaun Pollock after South Africa once again lost wickets during their batting power play.
Compiled by Gareth Stevens.
Photo: Backpagepix
