Australia have won the ODI series against South Africa with a tight 3-wicket victory at the MCG on Friday night. After being set a solid target, the Aussies took control through century-making hero Steve Smith.
Introducing Pat Cummins back into international cricket after a break through injury, the Australians were hoping to boost an already pumping front-line bowling attack.
It looked like an inspired inclusion early, with Cummins picking up the wicket of Hashim Amla for 18(20) in the 6th over. Amla was caught pulling to mid-wicket by Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Quinton de Kock struggled to gain momentum again and was dismissed by a clever caught and bowled by Glenn Maxwell. De Kock was dropped by Shane Watson moments earlier after flashing to first slip.
Faf du Plessis got another good start, but failed to go on with his innings. He was caught behind off the bowling of Cummings who was ripping the cherry through to Wade.
David Miller combined with AB de Villiers for the match-winning partnership that South Africa desperately needed. Hitting a 122 runs in 20 overs, Miller chimed in with a handy 45(65) that included four boundaries in support of de Villiers. AB took control of the innings, cracking 91(88) including 6 boundaries.
Although the champion batsman looked very comfortable at the crease, he was out caught playing a ridiculous charge-swat to deep square leg looking to take on Cummins in the 43rd over.
South Africa posted a good, defensible total from their 50 overs in pursuit of levelling the series.
The Proteas got off to the perfect start with the early wicket of pocket-rocket David Warner who was trapped LBW by a roaring seamer for 4(8) by Kyle Abbott.
Fighting to find form, Shane Watson failed to push beyond the twenties again. Edging a wide delivery behind to de Kock for 19(25), Watson looked up to the sky in desperation before heading to the stands.
Finch hooked a sitter to du Plessis at deep square-leg and Captain George Bailey left in a similar manner to Watson for 16(29) and the Aussies were in trouble at 4/86 and nearly halfway through their 50 overs.
Glenn Maxwell in what was no doubt his biggest opportunity to stand up and contribute so far in the series, missed the moment again. He was caught driving in first slip by Amla off the bowling of Dale Steyn for 2(5).
It was again left up to Steve Smith. Promoting himself as the Aussies stand-out batsmen so far this summer Smith showed maturity and composure with his side at 5/98.
He and Matthew Wade frustrated the bowlers and kept the run rate ticking over. Smith knocked the ball around and chased short deliveries to bring up another impressive 50 off 63 balls. With 15 over remaining Australia were in the hunt needing 118 runs from 90 balls thanks largely to the 50-runs put on by Wade and Smith.
Needing 86 from the final 10 overs, Wade and Smith had the Proteas nervous. Some free-swinging and clever running had the pair looking confident in pursuit of a possible 3-1 series lead.
Wade brought up the 200 for Australia with a powerful straight slog-drive for six. Dale Steyn and Wayne Parnell bowled well at the death with plenty of yorkers and short balls to the set field.
Parnell struck in the 45th over as Wade slashed at a bouncer, caught by Ryan McLaren at deep third man.
Steve Smith brought up a hard-fought 100 from 109 balls in the 47th over. The crowd erupted as did James Faulkner who hit consecutive boundaries off Steyn to bring the gap to 21 runs from 18 balls.
Faulkner opened up in the 48th, bludgeoning 2 boundaries and bringing victory closer. Smith hit the wanted to hit the winning run and was bowled chasing it.
The Aussies wrapped up the game and the series 3-1 with 6 balls remaining. The final match of the series will be played at the SCG on Sunday.
“I feel good at the moment. I was disappointed to be left out of the first game so i have worked hard to secure my spot in the team,” commented an excited Smith after the match.
