Match Center

Wood over the Kangaroos? Well, if you win 10 out of the last 11 meetings, then you sure have the wood! Smith, Warner, no Smith, no Warner, Australia simply cannot find a way to get past the Proteas in ODIs. They were on a losing streak against them when the duo was banned but have still not got back to winning ways in spite of their comeback. What remains is the fossil this series - a dead rubber - can Australia avoid a whitewash? The answer will be given on Saturday, 7th March, 2020 when the third ODI begins at 10 am local (0800 GMT) at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. Join us then. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Victorious South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, says that it is never good as a chasing side to lose an early wicket but praises his side to put in good partnerships. Feels Australia played with good intent and hence got off to a flier but credits his own bowlers for bouncing back. Is happy to see Lungi Ngidi perform well, especially in the absence of Kagiso Rabada. On the prospect of a bright South African future, de Kock says that is what this series is all about, giving his youngsters more chances. On the possibility of a series whitewash in Potchefstroom, de Kock says that the first aim was to win the series - now that is done, they will look to keep the foot down on the pedal and inflict a whitewash. On his team gelling well and supporting him as a skipper, Quinton says that he has hardly done anything so far as a skipper and it is his team which has done everything.

Janneman Malan cheekily says that he was relieved when he faced his first ball. Thanks every partner who forged a stand with him and says that they kept him calm. Admits that the ball skidded onto the track once the sun set down and with the ball getting wet in the outfield, more aid came across.

Ngidi says that his coach gave him a challenge, to try and knock down Australia's big there and he is happy to have done well. Admits that there were a lot of cross-seam balls which were bowled. Adds that he is working really hard on his death-bowling skills. Coming out of injury successfully, Lungi says that he is looking pretty confident these days and he is aiming to keep the momentum going.

Surprise, surprise! Both Janneman Malan and Lungi Ngidi have been named the Men Of The Match!

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says that his team was 20-30 runs short with the bat. Praises the bowlers for trying hard and also the South Africans for playing smart cricket, especially Heinrich Klaasen, who changed the momentum completely. Rues the lack of partnerships during Australia's batting and cites the difference as his side getting two 70s while the opposition got one man who scored a century. Admits that batting at the death is something that Australia are continuously working upon and need to improve. Is happy that D'Arcy Short is finally getting rewards for his hard work. Ends by saying that his bowlers tried hard but just could not get consistent breakthroughs.

Earlier in the afternoon, Australia played the way they normally do these days - get a quickfire start, then slow down in the middle overs, seem to get back on track, only to get derailed at the death. One believes that it is the final phase that cost them here. Just 49/6 in Powerplay 3. At 222/4 in 40 overs, they would have been expecting 300. Not saying that would have been enough, but psychologically, it would have helped. Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo bowled their hearts out, with the former taking a 6-fer and the latter not giving much away. Please stay tuned for the presentation...

Signs for the future! Janneman Malan - scoring his maiden international century. Heinrich Klaasen - scoring his third 50-plus score in his last 4 international white-ball outings. Lungi Ngidi - taking his maiden ODI 5-fer. Are these signs of a good revamped side forming? We sure believe they are. The 23-year old Jaaneman Malan took the mantle upon his young shoulders, staying unbeaten till the end, forging partnerships with Smuts, Klaasen and Miller. South Africa needed a set batsman to anchor through and some partnerships - they got both.

Australia are looking downcast. It is one thing that you underperform and lose, but you bat decently, bowl well, yet, turn up on the losing side, without much experience in the opposition, is a slightly sour pill to swallow. The start was excellent, with Starc dismissing de Kock on the third ball of the run chase but after that, Australia had to struggle for wickets. They had to face three 50-plus stands in the process and apart for a few minutes during the 21st-25th over, never did the Proteas look out of shape. Zampa bowled really well but no one else could support him much because there was not much swing or turn on offer.

Fantastic run chase. Chasing 272 is no mean feat but South Africa have gunned this down as comprehensively as they possibly could. Did we say that the game was over when de Kock was out for a duck? Well, we have been proved totally wrong.

48.3

4

FOUR! Killer Miller finishes the game off! Full toss outside off, Miller reaches out and drives it through the covers. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 6 WICKETS AND 9 BALLS TO SPARE! The series lead is doubled.

48.2

.

Full and outside off, swinging in, driven straight to mid off.

48.1

1

Starc goes for the yorker, but ends up bowling a low full toss. Malan alertly plays it towards mid off and seeing that the fielder has backed off, calls for a quick single. Miller to hit the winning runs then?

47.6

1

Outside off, played towards point for a quick single. 13 from the over.

47.5

6

SIX! Unbelievable batting. A short ball, around middle, Malan gets across and just plays a short-arm jab. The ball travels over deep backward square leg!

47.4

2lb

A short ball, outside off, Malan looks to pull but is a tad early into the shot. The ball goes off his bicep, over the keeper, towards third man. Two leg byes taken.

47.4

1wd

WIDE. A bouncer, outside off, Malan lets that sail away over his head.

47.3

1

Comes down the track and dabs this towards third man for a single.

47.2

2

Down the leg side, flicked towards deep square leg for a couple.

47.1

.

Around middle and leg, watchfully defended.

Pat Cummins is back on. 9-1-48-1 so far.

46.6

.

Full toss, outside off, Janneman plays it straight to point. 13 from the over, that should be the game done and dusted.

46.5

4

FOUR! And another! Where was this bloke all this while? Full and on middle, Malan gets across and whips it over square leg.

46.4

4

FOUR! SUBLIME! Full and wide outside off, Malan reaches out and drives it through the covers!

46.3

1

That was stone dead had Miller missed. But he didn't. Full and outside off, tailing in, David gets across and flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Miller moves to 30 from 24 balls.

46.2

.

Half volley outside off, driven straight to short extra cover.

46.1

4

FOUR! Poor start. Full and down the leg side, Miller tickles to the left of the diving short fine leg fielder. The stand moves to 63 from 46 balls.

Mitchell Starc returns. 8-0-35-1 so far.

45.6

.

Yes, he can! Good comeback by the bowler. 29 needed in the last 4 now. Malan comes down the track and hits it nicely but straight to covers.

45.5

.

One more dot! On middle, Malan works it to mid-wicket. Can he end the over with the three dots in a row?

45.4

.

Fires it very full and on middle, it is jammed back to the bowler.

45.3

4

FOUR! Just over! Just the two the difference between the balls to be bowled and the runs needed. This is floated up on off, Malan lofts it well over the cover fielder and bags a boundary.

45.2

1

On the pads, Miller sensibly plays it towards short fine leg for one.

45.1

2

One more two! Shorter and just outside off, Miller gets it behind point and takes two.

Adam Zampa to bowl out! 9-0-41-2 so far.

44.6

2

A couple to end! 9 from the over! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for two. 36 needed in 30 balls.

44.5

1

Fumble and an easy run! Fuller and around off, it is hit hard straight to mid off. The batters go for one and complete it as the fielder fumbles. 50-run stand up. Another crucial one. Can they take the hosts over the line now?

44.4

1

Now a single! On a length around off, it is pushed through covers for one. Sensible batting would do it for the hosts now.

44.3

4

FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Cummins goes wide of the crease and angles this into the pads, Malan works it down to the fine leg fence and bags a vital boundary.

44.2

.

OHHH! This is on a length and outside off, Malan goes after it away from his body but misses. A dot, Australia need more of these.

44.1

1

A slower short ball, Miller pulls it through square leg and gets to the other end.

Pat Cummins is back into the attack. 8-1-39-1 so far.

43.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Brings up his ton in streaky fashion but he won't care! A night to remember. A golden duck on debut and follows it up with a ton. Brilliant. He though will know his job is yet not done. A full delivery on middle, it tails away a touch. Malan looks to jam it out but it goes off the outside edge down to the third man fence. Once again the last ball spoils the over. 45 needed in 36.

43.5

1

Just a single! A low full toss on off, it is hit towards mid off for one.

43.4

1

Fuller and around off, Malan looks to force it through the off side but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one. He moves onto 98.

43.3

1

On middle, this is worked wide of mid on for one.

43.2

2

Another couple! Good running this! On a length and around off, Miller guides it down to third man and takes two. Longer part of the ground so they take one for the throw.

43.1

2

Two to begin Starc's spell! This is full and outside off, Miller strokes it through covers. They take one and go for the second. The fielder fires it towards Starc who fails to collect the ball and whips the bails off with his hands.

Mitchell Starc is back on! Big moment in the game, if he can take a wicket, Australia will go on top but if South Africa can score of him, they will be favorites.

42.6

.

BEATEN! A good end to a good over for the Aussies! This is fired outside off, the ball pitches and turns away. Malan looks to push at it but is beaten.

42.5

1

Miller steps out and works it through mid-wicket for one more run.

42.4

1

Malan initially wanted to come down the track but seeing Zampa shorten his length, he stays back and pushes it towards cover for one.

42.3

1

Fires it around off, Miller goes back and works it with the turn towards mid-wicket for one.

42.2

1

Flatter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

42.1

1

Floats it up on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

41.6

1

A single to end! 61 needed in 48. Fuller and around off, this is driven down to long off for one.

41.5

1

Direct hit and Miller was a goner! A slower one on off, it is pushed towards cover and the batters set off. Agar picks the ball up and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Actually Miller's dive would have saved him.

41.4

.

Confusion but safe! A yorker on off, Malan jams it out towards cover and calls for one. Miller though sends him back in time.

41.3

1

A short one on the body, Miller gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards fine leg for one.

41.2

1

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

41.1

2

Lovely pull shot! Shorter and on off, Malan pulls it through mid-wicket. They take two as it is in the gap.

40.6

1

A single to end! 9 from the over. 67 needed in 54. On off, this is eased down to long off for one.

40.5

.

The slider now on middle, Malan looks to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Close.

40.4

6

SIX! All the way! What a hit that is! A complete pressure releaser and up comes the 200 too. Malan also moves into the 90s. He makes excellent use of the feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. Lofts it well over the long off fence.

40.3

1

On the pads, Miller works it through square leg for one.

40.2

.

A googly on off, it is pushed towards covers.

40.1

1

Is that a drop? Yes, as the umpire gives it as runs. This lands on off and then spins away. Malan looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and hits the outer part of Carey's glove. A single as it rolls towards short third man. A tough chance that, he needed to react quickly.

POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This is where Australia lost their way with the bat. They managed just 49/6. South Africa need 76 with 6 wickets in hand.

39.6

4

FOUR! Creamed! Spoils the over completely! This is full and right in the arc for Miller. He plants his front leg forward and strokes it through extra cover. No chance of stopping that. 76 needed in 60.

39.5

2lb

On the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes down towards fine leg. Two taken. Leg byes signaled.

39.4

.

On middle, Miller works it to mid-wicket.

39.3

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.

39.2

1

Good length and on off, this is guided towards point for one more.

39.1

2

Misfield and two! Fuller and on off, this is driven towards mid off. Cummins rushes in as he sees the batters go for a run. He though takes his eyes off the ball at the very end and lets it through. One more run taken.

Mitchell Marsh is back!

38.6

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover-point. 4 runs and a wicket from the over, Zampa's figures read 7-0-27-2.

38.5

1

Outside off, pushed through the covers for a run.

38.4

1

The googly again, punched down to long on for one.

David Miller walks in at number 6, replacing Klaasen.

38.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! 50 and out for Klaasen. It is Zampa who breaks the 81-run stand. Full and outside off, the googly, Klaasen looks to play the slog sweep but gets a massive top edge. The ball goes high in the air and Aaron Finch takes it easily at square leg. He straightaway throws the ball up in the air in celebration. That is a big wicket. Entertaining knock by Klaasen. 88 more needed from 69 balls.

38.2

1

Around off, tapped towards cover for a run.

38.1

1

Full and around middle, flicked wide of long on for a single. 89 more needed from 71 balls. The stand moves to 80 from 86 deliveries.

Adam Zampa is back on. 6-0-23-1 so far.

37.6

.

A dot to end but this is a good over for the hosts! A short one on middle, Malan looks to pull but misses.

37.5

2

Shorter in length and outside off, Malan cuts it through point and takes two.

37.4

.

Good length and on off, kept out.

37.3

3

Finch does brilliantly! Klaasen though gets his fifty up with that triple. Follows his ton with a half ton. He needs to keep going though. This is on a length and around off, Klaasen drags it over wide mid on. Finch gives it a chase and pushes it back in just before the ropes with a slide. The man from mid-wicket does the mopping up job. The batters take three till then. The umpire takes it upstairs to check and replays show that Finch has done well.

Has Finch managed to save a boundary? The umpire has taken it upstairs. Looks close.

37.2

1

Outside off, Malan drops it towards point and gets to the other end.

37.2

1wd

A bumper but it is a little too high. Wided.

37.1

1

Good stop but the single is still taken! Fuller and around off, this is driven towards cover. The fielder dives to his left and saves another run.

36.6

1

Very full again and on middle, this is whipped down to long on for one. 6 from the over.

36.5

.

On a fuller length around off, Klaasen strokes it to covers.

36.4

1

In the air... it has fallen in between three fielders! Not sure what Australia were doing there. Can't believe how that has not been caught. Malan looks to play the reverse sweep but he gets it right off the bottom. It lobs on the off side. The fielder from point, the keeper and covers go after it but it lands in between them. Replays later on show that it was quite away from the fielders. Lucky escape for Malan. A single taken in the end. Luck in South Africa's favor at the moment.

36.3

2

Nicely played! Slightly shorter and around off, Malan works it in the gap in the square leg region and takes an easy two.

36.2

1

On middle, this is worked down to long on for one more.

36.1

1

Malan comes down the track and Marsh bangs it short. it is tapped towards cover for one.

Mitchell Marsh is back on! 6-0-31-0 so far.

35.6

.

NOT OUT! It is right off the helmet! It was not even close to the glove. Klaasen survives to fight on. A short one around off, Klaasen takes his eyes off the ball and looks to pull. It goes off something to the keeper. An appeal and up goes the finger. Klaasen reviews and replays show that the on-field call has to be changed.

Big moment in the game! Klaasen has been given out caught behind but he reviews. He did so almost immediately so you would believe he has not hit it.

35.5

2

Good running! One more slower one on the body, Klaasen works it around the corner and takes two.

35.4

.

A good short slower one outside off, Klaasen is way too early in the pull and he misses.

35.3

.

DROPPED! Difficult to call that one as it was an excellent effort. Fuller and around off, Klaasen hits it uppishly to the left of Cummins. He dives with his left hand stretched out but the ball brushes the fingers and rolls towards mid off.

35.2

2

In the air... safe! Two runs! Shorter and around off, Klaasen looks to pull but gets a top edge. It lands safe in the deep mid-wicket region and two runs is taken.

35.1

.

On a length and around middle, this is kept out.

Pat Cummins is back on! 6-1-27-1 so far.

34.6

1

Fires this on off, Klaasen slaps it down to long on and takes one. 7 from the over. 108 needed in the last 15 overs.

34.5

4

FOUR! Releases the pressure that was building. Once again Klaasen walks across and Agar fires it on middle, Klaasen sweeps and hits it through square leg for one more boundary.

34.4

.

One more delivery which is hit towards Smith. On off, it is pushed to covers.

34.3

1

On off, Malan drops it towards cover and takes one.

34.2

.

Malan comes down the track again and strokes it to covers. This time Smith fires it straight to the keeper.

34.1

1

Overthrow! Just needless from Smith! This is tossed up on off, Smith fires a wild throw towards the keeper who fails to collect it cleanly and a single is taken.

33.6

1

Just the single to end! Three from it. Shorter and around off, this is slapped through covers for one.

33.5

1

Another single! A full toss on middle, this is hit towards mid off for one.

33.4

.

One more dot! Another delivery on middle, Malan defends it out nicely. Just the single so far from this over. Two balls to go.

33.3

.

Well bowled and well played! A perfect yorker on middle, it is jammed out towards point.

33.2

.

BEATEN! A slower one, it is fuller and outside off. Malan looks to go for the expansive drive but is beaten.

33.1

1

Shorter and around off, Klaasen hops and guides it through point for one.

Drinks Break! Very, very interesting run chase. Certainly, Australia would not have expected this. We all felt that it is a slow wicket, but with 118 needed from 102 balls, it is anybody's game. South Africa have got a couple of in-form batsmen still left, that is Heinrich Klaasen in the middle and David Miller yet to come. Andile Phehlukwayo and Keshav Maharaj are not bad batters as well. This could go all the way down to the wire...

32.6

1

A single to end! Flatter and outside off, this is cut through point for one.

32.5

4

FOUR! Brilliantly played! 150 up for South Africa! Another 119 needed. Klaasen moves right across and Agar fires it on middle. HK sweeps and hits it through square leg for a boundary. Also, 50-run stand is up between Klaasen and Malan.

32.4

.

Fires it on off, Klaasen pushes it towards cover.

32.3

1

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

32.2

1

Tossed up on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

32.1

1

Malan comes down the track and works it over mid-wicket for one.

Ashton Agar is back on. 7-0-33-0 are his figures so far.

31.6

.

Almost! A full toss on off, it tails away at the end. Klaasen fails to put bat on ball. A good over by Starc.

31.5

1

Sweetly timed but only a run! Shorter and around off, Malan pulls it through square leg for one.

31.4

.

Extremely full, it is almost a yorker outside off. Malan looks to drive it through covers but misses.

31.3

1

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

31.2

.

One more length ball on off, Klaasen gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

31.1

1

Good length and on off, Malan guides it through point and takes one.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 5-0-18-1 are his figures so far.

30.6

1

Quicker and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

30.5

.

Well bowled! Malan uses his feet and Zampa drags his length back a little. JM keeps it out.

30.4

.

The googly and on off, Malan gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

30.3

1

Very full again and on off, Klaasen works it down to long on and gets to the other end.

30.2

1

Fuller and on off, this is driven through covers for one.

30.1

1

Flatter and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

29.6

.

A dot to end! Flatter and around off, Malan guides it to point.

29.5

1

Fires it on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

29.4

1

Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one.

29.3

1

Sensible batting! Got a biggie on the last ball, now pushes it down to long off for one.

29.2

6

SIX! That is massive! The sound was perfect and it also gets the distance. On middle, Klaasen goes against the spin as he brings out the slog sweep. He clears the mid-wicket fence.

29.1

1

Flatter and around off, Malan pushes it through covers for one.

28.6

.

On off, Klaasen keeps it out.

28.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Malan comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for a single.

28.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Klaasen pulls it through mid on for a run.

28.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Klaasen pushes it back towards the bowler.

Change of bats for Klaasen as he has broken his.

28.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Klaasen punches it back towards the bowler.

28.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Klaasen looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.

Adam Zampa is back on.

27.6

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Klaasen punches it through mid on for a single.

27.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan drives it through mid off. The batsmen cross ends.

27.4

1

Full delivery on off, Klaasen drives it through mid off for a single.

27.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Klaasen looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards covers.

27.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Klaasen punches it back towards the bowler.

27.1

4

FOUR! Nice shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Klaasen lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

26.6

.

Full again on middle, Malan drives it towards mid on.

26.5

.

Full delivery on off, Malan drives it to covers.

26.4

1

On a length on middle, Klaasen flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

26.3

2

Length delivery on off, Klaasen punches it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.

26.2

2

Short delivery on middle, Klaasen pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

26.1

1

On a length on off, Malan punches it towards point for a single.

26.1

1wd

WIDE! Short delivery down the leg side, Malan looks to pull but misses it.

25.6

1

On middle, Malan flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

25.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Klaasen punches it towards long on for a single.

25.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Malan pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

25.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Klaasen punches it through mid on for a single.

25.2

.

Floated delivery on middle, Klaasen punches it back towards the bowler.

25.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Klaasen defends it off the back foot.

Ashton Agar is back on.

24.6

.

Starc bowls a bouncer, Malan does well to duck under it.

24.5

1

Length delivery on off, Klaasen punches it through covers for a single.

24.4

.

On a good length on off, Klaasen punches it to point.

24.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Klaasen blocks it off the back foot.

24.2

1

Length delivery on off, Malan punches it through covers for a run.

24.1

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Malan looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes through the vacant slip region, very fine towards third man for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 3-0-5-1 are his figures so far.

23.6

.

Cummins bowls a bouncer, Klaasen ducks under it.

Heinrich Klaasen is the new batsman in.

23.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Now, where did that come from? A short ball, outside off, Verreyne looks to pull but he does not spot Mitchell Marsh at short square leg. It�goes straight into his hands and everyone smiles, barring the batsman. Soft, soft dismissal. 169 more needed from 157 balls.

23.4

1

On a length on off, Malan punches it towards point for a run.

23.3

2

Short delivery on middle, Malan pulls it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

23.2

.

Short delivery outside off, Malan leaves it alone.

23.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Verreynne flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. 100 up for South Africa.

22.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Malan offers a solid defense on this one.

22.5

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan comes down the track and lofts it over covers. The batsmen get two runs.

22.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Malan looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

22.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Verreynne punches it towards point for a run.

22.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Verreynne punches it back towards the bowler.

22.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan punches it towards point for a single.

21.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Malan flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

21.5

.

On a length on middle, Malan keeps it out.

21.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Malan keeps it out.

21.3

.

On a good length on off, Malan punches it towards the off side.

21.2

1

Full delivery on off, Verreynne looks to drive but gets an outside edge. There is a man placed at gully but the ball goes between him and the keeper towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

21.1

.

On a good length on off, Verreynne defends it off the front foot.

21.1

1wd

WIDE! Cummins bowls a bouncer, Verreynne does well to duck under it.

Pat Cummins is back on. 4-1-20-0 are his figures so far.

20.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Malan punches it towards the off side. 2 runs and a wicket from the over.

20.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Malan blocks it off the front foot.

Kyle Verreynne is the next batsman in.

20.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Smuts holes out. He never looked comfortable at the crease. Floated on middle, JJ comes down the track, looks to go over the top but halfway through the shot, he ends up chipping it. It is chipped too well and Pat Cummins gets a simple catch at long on. End of a really good partnership of 91. South Africa now need 180 more in 176�balls.

20.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Malan flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

20.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Smuts punches it through mid on for a single.

20.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Smuts plays it to covers.

Adam Zampa is back on. 2-0-11-0 are his figures so far.

19.6

1

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

19.5

1

Length delivery on off, Malan punches it through covers for a single.

19.4

1

Short of a length delivery, Smuts pulls it towards mid-wicket for a run.

19.3

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Smuts pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

19.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Smuts punches it uppishly towards mid on where it falls short of Adam Zampa.

19.1

.

On a good length on middle, Smuts looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

18.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Smuts punches it through mid on for a single.

18.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan drives it through covers for a run.

18.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Smuts sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.

18.3

1

Full delivery on off, Malan drives it through covers for a run.

18.2

6

SIX! Poor delivery from Labuschagne! Short delivery on middle, Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

18.1

1

Short and around of, punched towards long on. Adam Zampa from short mid-wicket gets across but fumbles and concedes a single to long on. 199 more needed from 191 balls.

Gamble from Finch. Marnus Labuschagne has been given the ball.

17.6

.

Back of a length outside off, Malan comes down the track but does not get the pace to work with. Mistimes his shot back to the bowler.

17.5

1

On middle, punched down to long on for a run.

17.4

.

Landed outside off, Smuts looks to run this down to third man but gets a bottom edge. It just misses the off stump.

17.3

1

On a length outside off, punched through the covers for a single. The stand moves to 70 from 103 balls.

17.2

.

Pretty straight, played straight to short mid-wicket.

17.1

.

On a length outside off, played straight to point.

Mitchell Marsh time. 4-0-22-0 so far.

DRINKS BREAK. Cautious batting by South Africa. They lost their skipper early but have done well to avert a collapse. They would have lost Smuts as well, had Marsh not overstepped and with the run rate required going above 6, they might be looking to step on the gas.

16.6

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for another single.

16.5

1

Short and outside off again, punched straight back to the bowler who fumbles and concedes a single down to long off.

16.4

.

Short and outside off, slapped straight to short extra cover.

16.3

1

Punches this down to long on for a run.

16.2

2

Comes down the track this time and chips it over the bowler down the ground for a couple.

16.1

.

Short and outside off, slapped straight to Aaron Finch at backward point.

15.6

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for one more.

15.5

1

Comes down the track and lofts this inside out, nearly holes out to long off. Cummins stops it. A run taken.

15.4

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for one.

15.3

1

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

15.3

1wd

WIDE. Down the leg side, Smuts looks to paddle but misses.

15.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

15.1

1

Comes down the track and seeing that, Zampa tosses it wide outside off, Malan reaches out and drives it through the covers for a single.

14.6

.

On off, Smuts plays it towards point.

14.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan comes down the track and hits it towards long off for a single.

14.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Malan keeps it out.

14.3

1

Flighted delivery on off, Smuts punches it through point for a run.

14.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Smuts looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards covers.

14.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Smuts keeps it out.

13.6

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Smuts punches it towards mid-wicket for a single.

13.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan punches it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.

13.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Smuts drives it through mid on for a single.

13.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Malan punches it towards covers for a run.

13.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Smuts punches it through point for a single.

13.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Smuts plays it towards point.

Adam Zampa is into the attack.

12.6

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Smuts plays it towards covers for a run.

12.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it through mid on for a single. 50-run stand is up between Malan and Smuts.

12.4

.

On middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.

12.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Malan looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

12.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Malan punches it towards point.

12.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan punches it back towards the bowler.

11.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it through mid on for a single. 50 up for South Africa.

11.5

1

On a length on off, Smuts punches it towards point for a run.

11.4

1

Length delivery on off, Malan punches it towards covers for a single.

11.3

1

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it towards square leg for a run.

11.2

1

Length delivery on off, Malan punches it towards covers for a single.

11.1

.

On a good length on off, Malan blocks it off the back foot.

10.6

.

On off, Smuts looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

10.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Malan punches it through covers for a single.

10.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Janneman punches it towards the off side.

10.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Smuts punches it towards covers for a single.

10.2

.

Full delivery on off, Smuts drives it back towards the bowler.

10.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan punches it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Powerplay 2 is signalled. Maximum of 4 fielders will be outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Also, Ashton Agar is into the attack.

9.6

.

On a good length on middle, Smuts looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. South Africa are 42/1 after Powerplay 1.

9.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it towards mid on where Labuschagne makes a fine stop. The batsmen still take the single.

9.4

.

Short delivery outside off, Malan looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes safely towards the keeper.

9.3

.

On a good length on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.

9.2

4

FOUR! That is a glorious shot. On a length outside off, Malan comes down the track and punches it between cover and point.

9.1

.

Full and around off, pushed towards the off side.

8.6

2

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

8.6

1wd

WIDE! Cummins bowls a bouncer, Smuts ducks under it.

8.5

.

On a good length on middle, Smuts blocks it well.

8.4

.

Good length delivery on off, JJ keeps it out.

8.3

.

Short delivery outside off, Smuts looks to cut but misses it.

FREE HIT TIME!

8.3

1nb

NO BALL! NOT OUT! Short delivery outside off, Smuts looks to pull but gets a faint knick on it. It goes towards the keeper where Alex Carey takes a good catch. They are checking for the no ball. Replays show that Cummin's foot is on the line. The umpires have given it a no ball.

Caught behind! But wait... The umpires want to check for the no ball. Has Cummins overstepped? Dear me... the foot is on the line!

8.2

1

On a good length on off, Malan comes forward and looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

8.1

.

Full delivery on off, Malan drives it to covers.

7.6

.

Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Smuts looks to pull but misses it.

7.5

.

On a good length on off, Smuts looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.

7.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it through mid on for a single.

7.3

6

SIX! What a shot! Short delivery on middle, Malan pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

7.2

.

Full and around off, driven back to the bowler.

7.1

1

A length ball, outside off, swung towards deep square leg for a single.

6.6

2

Full delivery on off, Malan drives it back towards the bowler where Cummins tries to stop it but it goes past him through mid off. The batsmen get two runs. 9 runs have come from the over.

6.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Malan keeps it out.

6.4

1

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it through square leg for a run.

6.3

.

Length delivery on off, JJ punches it to point.

6.2

2

Full delivery on middle, Smuts flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

6.1

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! On a length on middle, Smuts punches it uppishly past the bowler through mid on for a boundary.

5.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Malan keeps it out.

5.5

1

On a length on middle, Smuts looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

5.5

1wd

WIDE! Mitchell Marsh bowls it down the leg side, Smuts looks to flick but misses it.

5.4

1

On a length on off, Malan comes down the track and plays it towards the off side. The batsmen take a run.

5.3

.

Good length delivery on leg, Malan looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

5.2

.

On a good length on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.

5.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it towards mid on.

5.1

1wd

WIDE! Marsh bowls it down the leg side, Malan looks to flick but misses it.

Mitchell Marsh is on.

4.6

.

On a good length on off, Smuts blocks it off the back foot.

4.5

.

Full delivery on off, Smuts drives it to point.

4.4

.

Starc bowls a bumper, Smuts lets it sail through to the keeper.

4.3

1

Length delivery on off, Malan punches it towards mid off where Warner tries to stop it but misfields. The batsmen take a single. Had he collected cleanly, he could have gone for a direct hit at the bowler's end.

4.2

.

Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Malan comes down the track and looks to cut but misses it.

4.1

.

On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.

3.6

.

BEATEN! Short of a length delivery outside off, Smuts looks to play an upper cut but misses it. The keeper appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. A MAIDEN FROM CUMMINS. 2-1-6-0 so far.

3.5

.

Full delivery on off, JJ drives it towards mid off.

3.4

.

Cummins bowls a bouncer, Smuts does well to duck under it.

3.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Smuts flicks it towards mid-wicket.

3.2

.

On a good length on middle, Smuts defends it off the back foot.

3.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Smuts flicks it to mid-wicket.

2.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Janneman defends it off the front foot.

2.5

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Malan looks to poke at it but misses it.

2.4

.

Short delivery on middle, Malan pulls it towards short mid-wicket where the fielder makes a good stop.

2.3

.

Full again on off, Malan drives it uppishly towards point where Labuschagne dives forward and tries to take the catch but it falls short of him.

2.2

1

Full again on off, Smuts drives it towards mid off for a single.

2.1

1

Full delivery on off, Malan drives it towards point where Short makes a fine stop. The batsmen still take the single.

1.6

.

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it to mid-wicket.

1.5

4

FOUR! Nice shot! Low full toss outside off, Smuts drives it through mid off for a boundary. The first of the run chase.

1.4

2

On a length on middle, Smuts flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

1.3

.

Full delivery on off, Smuts plays it to covers.

1.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Smuts keeps it out.

1.1

.

On a good length on off, Smuts defends it off the front foot.

Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

BEATEN! Good ball from Starc! On a good length and outside off, Malan looks to defend but misses it due to the inswing on this one.

0.5

1

Length delivery on leg, Smuts flicks it through square leg for a run.

0.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Smuts shoulders arms to this one.

JJ Smuts is the new batsman in.

0.3

W

OUT! BOWLED! Beautiful delivery from Starc! Nostalgia first T20I and third T20I. Starc getting de Kock on both occasions in the first over and exploiting the gap between bat and pad. Same here. On a good length on off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it as the ball comes in a wee bit and gets bowled. There was a big gap between bat and pad. Not the start South Africa would have wanted.

0.2

.

Starc bowls it wide outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.

0.1

1

On a length on off, Malan pushes it towards covers for a single and gets off the mark with a single. South Africa are underway!

We are back for the chase. The Australian players are out in the middle. Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan will open the innings for South Africa. Mitchell Starc will start the proceedings for Australia.

Right. Confused? We feel that the pitch is on the slower side and 272 may not be the easiest of run chases. Lungi Ngidi feels that the track is a good one to bat on. Stay tuned to see how the run chase actually pans out.

Lungi Ngidi says that he has been feeling well over the last few weeks and today, he just tried to stick to his basics and is happy that he did well. Adds that he had a chat with coach Mark Boucher before the game and the goal was to knock over the big three (Warner, Finch and Smith). Praises the bowlers for bowling well in Powerplay 1 and the spinners for maintaining the pressure, which helped him. Rates the pitch as a good one to bat on with probably just a few holes here and there. Reckons that taking wickets is certainly not going to be easy on this deck.

What can we read from the last sentence of the previous paragraph? Does it mean that the bowling was extremely good? Or does it indicate that the pitch has gotten slow? The Proteas mixed their pace really nicely but the Aussie made no attempt whatsoever to try and gauge the conditions. That also means that it is difficult for a new batsman to hit from the word go. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, with 6/58 but he received good support from Andile Phehlukwayo whose 1/44 kept the tourists quiet. Here is Ngidi, talking to Mike Haysman.

Australia were motoring along at nearly 7 an over but now had to rebuild. Aaron Finch found an able ally in D'Arcy Short and their 77-run stand got Australia on the road to recovery. That was followed by another 66-run stand but after that, the Kangaroos lost their way. At 222/4 in 40 overs, they should have got close to 300 but they have not even reached 275. Powerplay 3 yielded just 49 runs and resulted in 6 wickets.

Australia started like a train on fire, without any brakes. They ran and ran, like there is no tomorrow, putting the Proteas under the pump. But eventually, as they say, if you live by the sword, you die by it as well. David Warner was dismissed, after playing an array of strokes and for a change, both master and disciple flopped. Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were dismissed off successive deliveries and that changed the course of the innings.

272 to win for South Africa to wrap up the series here itself. Possible? Difficult? A bit of both. 272 is not the tallest target in the world but the deck is not the best to bat on either. To cut it short, we are in for a wonderful run chase.

49.6

W

OUT! LBW! It is three reds! Full delivery on middle, Starc looks to play across and goes for a paddle but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Starc smilingly takes the review. Ultra Edge shows there is no bat on it. Ball Tracker shows that it is hitting the middle stump. AUSTRALIA ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 271 IN THEIR 50 OVERS!

Starc has been adjudged LBW but he has taken the review. Looks dead plumb. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. So not bat. Ball Tracker shows it to be crashing into the stumps. Waste of time. No wonder Starc was smiling while signalling for the review.

49.5

1

Full delivery on off, Zampa drives it through mid off for a run.

49.4

1

Nortje bowls a yorker on off, Starc digs it out and plays towards mid off. The batsmen take a single.

49.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Zampa pulls it through mid-wicket for just a single.

49.2

1

On a length on middle, Starc flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

49.1

1

Full toss on middle, Zampa drives it through mid on for a single.

48.6

.

No, Lungi cannot take 7 but why did he not target the stumps? Should have gone full and straight. Instead, he went for another off-pace delivery, outside off. Starc looked to defend cum drive but missed. Sensational spell from Ngidi - 10-0-58-6.

Adam Zampa is the last man in.

48.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another slower ball, another mistimed shot, another wicket. Ngidi gets a 6-fer. A length ball, around middle, Cummins backs away, looks to swing but the ball barely comes. He is hitting the shot in 2019 and the ball arrives in 2020. Lobs off the face of the bat but it is mistimed. Jon-Jon Smuts runs back from mid on and takes it nicely. Can Lungi take 7?

48.4

2

A low full toss, outside off, Cummins reaches out to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man. Two runs taken.

48.3

1

Length ball, around middle and leg, Starc looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs in the air but clears the bowler. Long on cannot get across. A run taken.

Mitchell Starc is the next batsman in.

48.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Length delivery on middle, Carey looks to play a paddle sweep but misses it. The keeper, Quinton de Kock and Lungi Ngidi appeal for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Ngidi wants the review and South Africa take it. Carey has already started to walk back. Ultra Edge shows there is a faint knick and it has come off the glove. Alex Carey will keep walking back to the pavilion.

There is an appeal for caught behind! Carey is walking back. South Africa have taken a review.

48.1

1

On a length on middle, Cummins defends it towards mid on. The batsmen take a single.

47.6

1

Full delivery on off, Cummins drives it through covers for a run.

47.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Carey pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

47.4

1

Length delivery on off, Cummins plays it towards covers for a single.

47.3

.

Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Cummins looks to play an upper cut but misses it.

47.2

1

On a good length on off, Carey looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

47.1

1

Length delivery on off, Cummins guides it towards third man for a single.

46.6

.

On a length on middle, Carey flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.

Pat Cummins is the next batsman in.

46.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Full delivery on middle, Agar lofts it over mid on but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards long on where Keshav Maharaj takes a comfortable catch.

46.5

1wd

WIDE! Ngidi bowls a bouncer, Agar does well to duck under it.

46.4

1

Length delivery on off, Carey plays it towards point for a single.

46.3

5

DROPPED! FIVE RUNS! Miller is the culprit! Short delivery on middle, Agar pulls it uppishly towards mid-wicket where Miller tries to take it but spills it. The batsmen take a single. Miller goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it and it goes as overthrows through covers. There is no one backing up and it goes into the fence.

46.2

.

BEATEN! Short delivery outside off, Agar looks to pull but misses it.

46.1

1

Short delivery on off, Carey cuts it towards point for a single.

Lungi Ngidi is back on. 8-0-46-3 are his figures so far.

45.6

3

Length delivery on middle, Carey flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder tries to stop it but misfields. It goes beneath him. The batsmen get three runs.

45.5

1

On a good length on middle, Agar makes room and looks to go big but gets an inside edge. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

45.4

1

Full delivery on off, Carey drives it towards mid off for a single.

45.3

.

On a length on off, Carey blocks it off the front foot.

45.2

1

Full delivery on off, Agar drives it through mid off for a single.

45.1

1

Length delivery on off, Carey guides it towards third man for a run.

Anrich Nortje is back on. 7-0-42-1 are his figures so far.

44.6

1

Full again on off, Carey drives it through covers again for a run.

44.5

1

Full on off, Agar drives it through covers for a single.

44.4

.

Short delivery on leg, Agar looks to pull but gets hit on the pads.

44.3

1

On a length on middle, Carey flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

44.2

1

Full delivery outside off, Agar drives it through covers for a single.

Ashton Agar is the new batsman in.

44.1

W

OUT! TIMBER! Phehlukwayo bowls a yorker on middle, Marsh looks to dig it out but misses it and gets bowled. It hits the leg stump.

43.6

4

FOUR! Nicely swept! Full toss on middle, Carey sweeps it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

43.5

1

On middle, Marsh flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

43.4

1

Flighted delivery on off, Carey punches it through covers for a single.

43.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

43.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Carey sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a single.

43.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it through square leg for a run.

42.6

.

On a good length on middle, Carey blocks it well.

42.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Carey defends it off the back foot.

42.4

.

On a length on middle, Carey flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

42.3

1

Full again on middle, Marsh drives it through mid on for a single.

42.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it to mid-wicket.

42.1

1

On a length on off, Carey guides it towards third man for a single.

41.6

1

Loopy delivery on off, Carey plays a reverse sweep towards point for a single.

41.5

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Carey plays a reverse sweep towards first slip where the fielder tries to stop it but fumbles. The batsmen take a single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. It goes as overthrows towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take an extra run.

Alex Carey is the next batsman in.

41.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! D'Arcy Short departs! Short and outside off, Short cuts it uppishly towards point where Janneman Malan takes a simple catch. D'Arcy Short fails to make this innings a big one.

41.3

.

Short and outside off, Short cuts it towards point.

41.2

.

Short delivery on off, Short makes room and cuts it to point.

41.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, D'Arcy punches it to point.

40.6

2

Length delivery outside off, Marsh punches it uppishly over covers. The batsmen get two runs.

40.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it to mid-wicket.

40.4

.

On a good length on off, Marsh looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

40.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Marsh keeps it out.

40.2

.

BEATEN AGAIN! On a good length and outside off, Marsh looks to defend but misses it.

40.1

.

BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, Marsh looks to drive but misses it.

Powerplay 3 time! Maximum of 5 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. Also, Andile Phehlukwayo is back on. 7-0-36-0 are his figures so far.

39.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marsh drives it through mid on for a run.

39.5

1

Floated delivery on off, Short makes room and punches it through covers for a single.

39.4

.

Full delivery on off, D'Arcy drives it to covers.

39.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Marsh pulls it over mid-wicket for a run.

39.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

39.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Tabraiz Shamsi is back on. 7-0-37-0 are his figures so far.

38.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

38.5

.

On a length on off, Marsh taps it towards point.

38.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Marsh keeps it out.

38.3

.

On a good length on off, Marsh defends it off the front foot.

38.2

2

Short and outside off, Marsh cuts it through point. Klaasen in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

38.1

4

FOUR! That is hammered! Short delivery on middle, Marsh pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

37.6

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Short pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

37.5

1

Length delivery on off, Marsh taps it through point for a run.

37.4

1

On a length on middle, D'Arcy pushes it through mid on for a single.

37.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it through square leg for a run.

37.2

.

On a good length on off, Marsh keeps it out.

37.1

1

Short delivery on middle, Short pulls it towards mid on for a single.

Andile Phehlukwayo is back on. 6-0-28-0 are his figures so far.

36.6

1

Full delivery on off, Short drives it back towards the bowler where Ngidi tries to stop it but it deflects towards the stumps at his end. It goes towards mid off. The batsmen take a single.

36.5

.

Short of a length delivery outside off, D'Arcy looks to pull but misses it.

36.4

.

On a good length on off, Short keeps it out.

36.3

4

FOUR! Terrific shot! Full delivery on middle, Short flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

36.2

2

Full delivery on off, Short drives it uppishly between mid off and covers. The batsmen get two runs.

36.1

.

On a good length on off, D'Arcy defends it off the back foot.

35.6

1

Full delivery on middle, D'Arcy drives it through mid on for a single.

35.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Marsh punches it through mid on for a single.

35.4

1

Flighted delivery on off, D'Arcy drives it through mid off for a single.

35.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Marsh drives it through mid off for a run.

35.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, Marsh punches it to point.

35.1

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up delivery on off, Marsh guides it very fine towards third man for a boundary.

34.6

4

FOUR! 50 for D'Arcy Short! It is his maiden ODI fifty. It has been a decent knock from him. Full delivery on leg, Short flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

34.5

.

Short delivery outside off, Short looks to fend at it but misses it.

34.4

.

On a good length on off, D'Arcy defends it off the back foot.

34.3

1

Full again on off, Marsh drives it through covers for a run.

34.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Short flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

34.1

.

On a length on off, Short punches it back towards the bowler.

Lungi Ngidi is back on. 5-0-26-3 are his figures so far.

Drinks Break!

33.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a single.

33.5

.

On middle, D'Arcy pushes it back towards the bowler.

33.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Marsh plays it towards covers for a single.

33.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a single.

33.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Marsh drives it through mid on for a run.

33.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

32.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Mitchell keeps it out.

32.5

.

On a good length on off, Marsh defends it off the back foot.

32.4

4

FOUR! Powerful shot! Short of a length delivery, Marsh stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

32.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Marsh drives it towards mid on.

32.2

1

On a length on off, Short guides it towards third man for a single.

32.1

2

Short of a length ball on middle, Short pulls it towards mid-wicket for a couple.

31.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Short flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

31.5

.

On middle, D'Arcy flicks it to mid-wicket.

31.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Marsh punches it through mid on for a run.

31.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Short punches it towards long on for a single.

31.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, D'Arcy flicks it towards mid-wicket.

31.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Short flicks it to mid-wicket.

30.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Marsh drives it back towards the bowler.

30.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Marsh drives it towards mid on.

30.4

1lb

Good length delivery on leg, Short looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

30.3

1

Short of a length delivery on leg, Marsh looks to pull but gets a top edge. It lands safely towards square leg. The batsmen take a single.

30.2

.

Length delivery on off, Marsh taps it to point.

30.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Marsh looks to defend but misses it.

29.6

.

On middle, Short flicks it to mid-wicket.

29.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Marsh drives it through mid off. The batsmen take a run.

29.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

29.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Short blocks it well.

29.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Marsh flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

29.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a single.

28.6

.

Play and a miss! Short of a length delivery, Marsh looks to pull but misses it.

28.5

1

On a length on middle, Short flicks it through square leg for a run.

28.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Short blocks it off the back foot.

28.3

1

On a length on off, Marsh taps it through point and gets off the mark with a single.

Mitchell Marsh is the new batsman in.

28.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Brilliant decision by de Kock to bring Nortje back into the attack. Finch there makes room and looks to carve it over the off side but gets a nick behind. Nortje bowls superbly there he keeps it on a length and outside off, Finch looks to play it uppishly off the back foot but lack of footwork meant that he fails to get to the pitch of the ball. The ball takes a thick outside edge and flies towards Quinton de Kock who accepts it gleefully. Anrich breaks the 77-run stand as Australia once again have to start afresh.

28.1

1

Short delivery on off, Short looks to defend but gets it off the glove. He gets extra bounce on this one. It rises off the surface. It goes towards third man. The batsmen take a single.

Anrich Nortje is back on. 4-032-0 so far from him.

27.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a single.

27.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Finch guides it towards short third man for a run.

27.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, D'Arcy flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

27.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Short pushes it back towards the bowler.

27.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Finch punches it through covers for a run.

27.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

26.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Finch looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

26.5

1

Floated delivery on off, D'Arcy drives it through covers for a single.

26.4

.

Full delivery on off, Short drives it towards mid off.

26.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Short blocks it off the back foot.

26.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Finch flicks it towards mid on for a run.

26.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a single. 150 up for Australia.

25.6

1

Full and on middle, Short drives it through mid on for a run.

25.5

.

Flatter and outside off, Short looks to cut it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

25.4

1

Full and on leg, Finch flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

25.3

.

Floated on off, Finch defends it towards covers.

25.2

4

FOUR! Maharaj bowls a freebie on the pads and Finch uses it to his liking as he sweeps it toward deep square leg for a boundary.

25.1

1

Floated on leg, Short plays it towards the leg side for a single.

24.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Aaron flicks it towards the leg side.

24.5

.

On middle, Finch flicks it to mid-wicket.

24.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Short punches it through covers for a run.

24.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Finch drives it through covers for a single.

24.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Aaron flicks it to square leg.

24.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Finch flicks it to mid-wicket.

23.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Short keeps it out.

23.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Finch drives it through mid off for a single.

23.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Finch drives it towards mid on.

23.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Finch drives it to mid on.

23.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Short flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

23.1

2

Tossed up delivery on middle, Short flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

22.6

4

FOUR! That was played sensibly. Flatter and on leg, Finch sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary at fine leg.

22.5

6

SIX! Finch gets to his 25th ODI fifty in some style. Maharaj tosses one up on off, Finch dances down the track and lofts it cleanly over mid on. The ball sails over the fielder at long on for a biggie. That also brings the 50-run stand between Finch and Short. Can they carry Australia to a big score?

22.4

.

Floated on off, Finch defends it off the front foot and into the ground.

22.3

.

Tossed up on leg, Finch looks to tuck it towards the leg side but gets hit on the thigh pad.

22.2

1

Tossed up on off, Short flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

22.1

1

NOT OUT! Short is safe here. Shamsi tosses one up on off, Finch taps it towards covers and takes off for a single. The fielder there throws the ball towards the keeper where de Kock whips the bails off. The umpire takes it upstairs and the replays show that D'Arcy grounded his bat well before the bails lit up.

An appeal for run out! It is referred upstairs.

21.6

1

Full and on the leg stump, Finch drives it towards long on and retains the strike.

21.5

1

Tossed up on leg, Short flicks it towards the leg side and gets to the other end.

21.4

1

Floated and on the pads, Finch flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

21.3

1

Fuller and on middle, Short drives it to long on for a run.

21.2

1

Full and on the pads, Finch flicks it towards the leg side for a sing,e.

21.1

.

Full and on off, Finch drives it back to the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj is back on. 2-0-12-0 are his figures so far.

20.6

1

Full delivery on off, Finch drives it through covers for a single.

20.5

.

On middle, Finch flicks it to mid-wicket.

20.5

1wd

WIDE! Tossed up delivery down the leg side, Finch looks to flick but misses it.

20.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Finch defends it off the back foot.

20.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Finch looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes towards the leg side.

20.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Finch blocks it off the front foot.

20.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Short plays it towards covers for a single.

19.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Finch keeps it out.

19.5

.

On a good length on off, Finch blocks it off the front foot.

19.5

1wd

WIDE! Phehlukwayo bowls a bouncer, Finch ducks under it. The umpire gives it wide for height.

19.4

.

On a good length on off, Finch defends it off the back foot.

19.3

.

Bouncer around off, Finch lets it be.

19.2

.

Short of a length ball outside off, Finch cuts it towards point.

19.1

1

DROPPED! Short gets another life. A tough one though for Miller. Andile Phehlukwayo bowls one short and wide outside off, D'Arcy pulls it but gets it off the inner half of the bat. The ball goes towards mid-wicket where David Miller at short mid-wicket jumps in the air and gets his fingers on it. He though fails to hold onto it and the batters get a single.

18.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Finch keeps it out.

18.5

6

SIX! That is huge! Floated delivery on middle, Finch lofts it over long on for a maximum.

18.4

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Finch looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

18.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

18.2

4

FOUR! Flighted delivery on off, Short looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes wide of first slip towards third man for a boundary.

18.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Short pushes it back towards the bowler.

17.6

1

Full and on the pads, Short flicks it towards the leg side for a single.

17.5

2

Short ball on the pads, Short pulls it towards deep square leg for a couple.

17.4

.

BEATEN! Short looks to cut this short of a length ball towards point but misses it as the ball goes past the outside edge.

17.3

.

OHH! DROPPED! Phehlukwayo drops a return catch. Andile lands one on a fuller length and around off, Short chips it straight back to the bowler who fails to to take the grab in his followthrough. A reprieve for Short. Can he capitalize on it?

17.2

.

On a good length on off, D'Arcy blocks it off the back foot.

17.1

2

Full delivery on off, Short drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs. 100 comes up for Australia!

16.6

1

Full and on off, Short drives it through mid off for a single.

16.5

1

Flatter and outside off, Finch punches it off the back foot towards covers for a single.

16.4

.

Tossed up on off, Finch defends it off the front foot.

16.3

1

In the air... short of Andile. Short and wide outside off, D'Arcy cuts it towards backward point where it just drops short of Phehlukwayo. The ball evades him and the batter cross for a single.

16.2

.

Another flatter and on off, Short plays it towards the bowler.

16.1

.

Flatter and on off, Short punches it towards the bowler.

Drinks Break!

15.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Finch blocks it off the back foot.

15.5

1

Length delivery on off, D'Arcy plays it towards point for a single.

15.4

.

On a length on middle, Short nudges it to mid-wicket.

15.3

4

FOUR! Superb shot! Full delivery on off, Short drives it through covers for a boundary.

15.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Short blocks it off the back foot.

15.1

1

On a length on middle, Finch flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

14.6

1

Full delivery on off, Finch drives it through mid off for a single.

14.5

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

14.4

.

DROPPED! JJ Smuts is the culprit there. A life for Finch. Shamsi is upset as he could have had Finch. He tosses one up on leg, Finch looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets a faint edge towards leg slip where JJ Smuts tries to take it with one hand. He tries to go on the second attempt but fails to pouch it.

14.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Short drives it through covers for a single.

14.2

1

Floated delivery on off, Finch looks to defend but gets an inside edge on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. It goes towards the off side where the fielder goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it and it hits D'Arcy Short's gloves and the ball ricochets towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. Replays later on show that Finch would have been not out anyways as he was struck outside the line off the stumps.

14.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Finch pushes it towards covers.

Tabraiz Shamsi is on.

13.6

.

On a good length on off, Finch pushes it back towards the bowler.

13.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Finch flicks it towards square leg for a single.

13.4

.

On a good length on off, Aaron defends it out.

13.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Finch defends it off the back foot.

13.2

1

Short and outside off, Short slaps it through point for a run.

13.1

1

On a length on middle, Finch flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

12.6

2lb

D'Arcy plays it to deny Ngidi a Hat Trick. Short of a length ball on leg, Short looks to pull it but he gets it off the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards fine leg. The batter take two leg byes. End of a successful over from Lungi Ngidi.

D'Arcy Short is the next batsman in.

12.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Golden duck for Marnus Labuschagne. Smith and his prodigy both are back in the pavillion. Back-to-back wickets for Lungi Ngidi! Short and outside off, Labuschagne cuts it uppishly towards point where Janneman Malan jumps and takes a sharp catch. Ngidi becomes the fastest South African to reach 50 ODI wickets.

Marnus Labuschagne is the new batsman in.

12.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Smith goes now, what was he trying to do there? Ngidi gets another one and he is all smiles here. He knows how important a wicket is this. Lungi bowls one a bit fuller and on the pads, Smith gets behind the line and flicks it uppishly towards short mid-wicket. JJ Smuts there takes a sharp catch and South Africa are elated to see the back of Australia's wall.

12.3

1

Short of a length ball on off, Finch pushes it off the back foot towards covers for a run.

12.2

.

Length ball on off, Finch defends it towards covers.

12.1

1

Length ball on the pads, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

11.6

.

Length ball on off, Finch pushes the ball to mid off.

11.5

.

Short ball on off, Finch drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the delivery.

11.4

.

Length ball on off, Finch defends it off the back foot towards covers.

11.3

2

Full and around off, Finch drives it through covers and scampers back for a couple.

11.2

.

Length ball on leg, Finch looks to tuck it towards the leg side but gets it off the pads towards the leg side.

11.1

1

Full and on off, Smith drives it straight down the ground towards mid on where the fielder fields it. He though cannot prevent the single.

10.6

1

Length ball wide outside off, Smith slaps it through covers for a single as there is protection out there in the deep.

10.5

.

Short of a length ball on off, Smith fends it off his gloves towards point.

10.4

1

Length ball on off, Finch drives it towards covers and takes a run.

10.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Finch looks to defend it but the ball rears onto him and hits him on the ribs.

10.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Finch defends it off the back foot.

10.1

1

On a length on off, Smith guides it towards point for a single.

Powerplay 2 is signalled. Maximum of 4 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

9.6

3

Full and on off, Smith drives it with a straight bat past mid on. There is no timing on it hence the ball dies before the ropes. The batters take three. AUSTRALIA ARE 73/1 after the end of Powerplay 1.

9.5

1

Length and on the pads, Finch tucks it towards square leg for a single.

9.4

.

Length and on off, Finch defends it off the back foot.

9.3

4

FOUR! Short, wide and width outside off, Finch pounces on it as he cuts it through point and the ball rockets to the fence. Not a fielder moved.

9.2

.

Full and outside off, Finch drives it to covers.

9.1

.

Length and outside off, Finch makes a leave once again.

9.1

1wd

WIDE! Not a good start from Andile. He bowls one outside off but the line is very wide. Finch makes a leave.

Andile Phehlukwayo is into the attack.

8.6

1

Length ball on off, Aaron taps it towards point and gets a single.

8.5

.

Length ball on off, Finch plays it towards point.

8.4

1

Full and on the pads, Smith flicks it towards square leg where the fielder dives to his right and keeps the batters to just one.

8.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Smith stands tall and blocks it off the back foot towards mid off.

8.2

1

On a length on off, Finch taps it towards covers for a single.

8.1

2

Full delivery on off, Finch drives it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

7.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Steven looks to defend but misses it.

7.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

7.4

.

On a good length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

7.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Smith keeps it out.

7.2

.

On a good length on off, Smith defends it off the back foot.

7.1

4

FOUR! Good timing! Full delivery on off, Smith drives it through covers for a boundary.

6.6

4

FOUR! Classy from Finch. Just pure timing. Ngidi overpitches it on off and Finch comes on the front foot and then strokes it past the diving mid off fielder for a boundary at long off.

6.5

1

Length and on off, Smith flicks it to mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

6.4

.

Length ball on off, Smith for pushes it off the back foot towards covers.

Steven Smith is the next batsman in.

6.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! One shot too many brings the downfall. Warner does not take that lesson seriously and loses his wicket. Ngidi is the one who strikes and removes the danger man Warner. Lungi bowls a good length ball on off, Warner once again looks to clear the cover fielder there but mistimes it as the ball lobs towards covers where Janneman Malan takes the catch easily.

6.2

.

Length delivery on middle, Warner tucks it to mid-wicket.

6.1

1

On a length on middle, Finch flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a single. 50 is up for Australia in quick time.

5.6

4

FOUR! That's an educated edge. Warner is smart and alert there. He looks to steer this length ball outside off towards third man but gets a thick outside edge that runs fine towards third man for a boundary.

5.5

4

FOUR! Another example of power. Full and on off, Warner whacks it over mid off and the ball goes off a couple of bounces and into the fence there.

5.4

1

Short of a length ball on off, Finch drops it towards mid on and hares for a run. In the end the batters get one.

5.3

.

Length and on off, Finch defends it off the back foot to covers.

5.2

1

Length ball on off, Warner taps it to point for a run.

5.1

2

Full and angled across the batter, Warner plays it through point and takes a couple this time.

4.6

.

Once again bowled on a length and on off, Finch plays it to covers.

4.5

.

Length ball on off, Finch pushes it to covers.

4.4

4

FOUR! That's stand and deliver stuff for Finch. Ngidi bowls one on a length and wide outside off, Finch lofts it over covers and the ball races to the fence in no time.

4.3

4

FOUR! Sheer timing. Ngidi bowls one on the pads of Finch and Aaron there just flicks it towards mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.2

1

Full delivery on off, Warner drives it towards mid off for a single.

4.1

1

On a length on middle, Finch flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

Lungi Ngidi is on.

3.6

1

Length ball on pads, Finch tucks it towards the leg side for a single.

3.5

.

Full and on around off, pushed to point.

3.4

.

Length and on off, Finch blocks it off the back foot.

3.3

1

Full and on off, Warner punches the ball off the back foot through covers for a single.

3.2

6

SIX! First maximum. How big a ground you prepare Warner is going to find the fence with ease. Short and on middle, Warner pulls it but not off the middle of the bat as the ball goes off the top edge towards fine leg for a biggie.

3.1

.

Short of a length ball outside off, Warner slaps it towards covers.

2.6

.

On middle, Finch keeps it out.

2.5

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Finch lofts it over mid off. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.

2.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Finch defends it off the front foot.

2.3

1

Flighted delivery on off, Warner drives it towards mid off for a single.

2.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot! Full delivery on off, Warner drives it through covers for a boundary.

2.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Warner drives it to covers.

1.6

.

Ohh! That was close. Had Finch missed that one, he would have been a goner. Nortje bowls one on a length and gets it to tail back into the batter. Finch is late in bringing his bat down in time and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

1.5

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Warner pulls it towards mid-wicket where the fielder misfields to allow a single.

1.4

.

Full and on off, Warner punches the ball off the back foot towards covers.

1.3

2

Length and on off, Warner flicks it to mid-wicket for a couple.

1.2

.

OHH! That's a ripper! Nortje lands one on a length and on off, Warner is cut into half as he looks to defend it off the back foot. The ball sneaks between the bat and the body towards keeper.

1.1

4

FOUR! Smashed! Warner is not going to miss on that. Nortje bowls one wide outside off, Warner leans and drives it through covers to get a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

Full and on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a run. 5 runs off the first over of Maharaj.

0.5

.

Flatter and on off, Warner blocks it off the back foot.

0.4

1

Floated on off, Finch drops it towards point and gets off the mark with a single.

0.3

1

Full and on off, Warner pushes it off the front foot but gets it off the outside edge towards point for a run.

0.2

.

Floated on off, pushed towards mid-wicket.

0.1

2

Maharaj starts with a flatter one outside off, Warner flashes at it to get a thick outside edge towards third man for a couple. Warner and Australia are off the mark.

We are all set for the action to begin. The South African players are out in the middle. Temba Bavuma has been ruled out due to an injury to his right hamstring. Rassie van der Dussen has been included as his replacement for the remainder of the series. Aaron Finch and David Warner will open the batting for Australia. Keshav Maharaj will start the proceedings for South Africa.

South African skipper, Quinton de Kock says that he is not sure how the wicket will play. On South Africa's great record at this venue, Quinny replies that they are not reading too much into the numbers as they take one game at a time. Composure is the key, adds the skipper. Confirms that Temba Bavuma is out injured and JJ Smuts has replaced him.

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch says that they are batting as the wicket is appearing to be dry and it may slow down later on. Further says that they are learning from their mistakes and would like to work on it. Informs that Ashton Agar is replacing Josh Hazlewood as the conditions will assist the spinners.

South Africa Playing XI - Quinton de Kock (C/WK), Janneman Malan, JJ Smuts (In for Temba Bavuma), Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia Playing XI - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, D'Arcy Short, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar (In for Josh Hazlewood).

TOSS - It's time for the flip of the coin. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Aaron Finch. AUSTRALIA WIN THE TOSS AND ELECT TO BAT!

After winning the first ODI at Paarl, the hosts would be high on confidence going ahead in the second ODI. South Africa powered to a total close to 300 courtesy of a maiden ODI ton from Heinrich Klaasen. Then their bowlers bowled superbly to restrict Australia to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. However, going by the last 4 series, South Africa have failed to win the series after taking the lead. They would look to reverse that trend and seal the series here itself. On the other hand, Australia would come harder at the Proteas after the defeat and would look to win and take the series to a decider. A cracker of a contest awaits as we are not far away from the toss and the team news. Hello and welcome to the second ODI.

Match Center

2nd ODI, Bloemfontein, March 04, 2020, 04:30 PM

TOP TEAMS

TOP PLAYERS

TOP SERIES

MORE

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Add New Playlist