Records were shattered and new heights were reached, as South Africa have successfully squared up the ODI series against Australia heading into the 5th match.

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks provided a sprightly start with a 60-run opening stand, but Australia would fight back and take control in the first half of the innings.

Rassie van der Dussen overcame a dry run with a well-made 62, but that was the calm before the storm. Heinrich Klaasen started off steadily, but opened up in the 34th over. The big-hitting right-hander took a particular liking to Zampa’s leg spin, and would deposit him all around the park.

Even when van der Dussen’s dismissal kept the Proteas in check, there was no deterrent for Klaasen and Miller, who hit his second ball for a maximum.

The situation went from frustrating to forgettable for the visitors, as Klaasen was in zen mode at the back end of the innings. He reached his third ODI ton in only 57 balls at his home ground, after plundering 24 runs off the 42nd over bowled by Stoinis.

Klaasen’s innings was full of power and range, with boundaries scored off deliveries from various lengths. He would reach 150 off 77 in the 48th over, and Zampa ended up conceding a mammoth 113 runs in his 10-over quota.

In the meantime, Miller raced to his own half-century, in 54 balls. The 400 came up for SA in the last over, and Klaasen’s blitz would come to an anticlimactic end on the very last delivery. But it was the highest ever score by a #5 in ODIs.

Australia had a gargantuan chase on their plate, and the beginning was far from ideal. Lungi Ngidi sent back David Warner and Mitchell Marsh early on, and Travis Head retired hurt after getting struck on the wrist. He has been sent for scans, and the severity of his injury remains to be seen.

Alex Carey and Tim David briefly threatened with an entertaining 72-run partnership, but it was tough to get up to speed with the required rate. Wickets continued to fall, as the pacers dictated play. The game came to a fitting end when Carey edged behind for 99 – one short of what could’ve been his second ODI ton.

It’s all tied up and we’re heading over to the Bullring for all the marbles. The Proteas have regained some lost ground, but the Aussies remain a very formidable opponent. Tune in Sunday for what will be a cracker of a series decider.

SA 416/5 in 50 overs (Klaasen 174, Miller 82*)

AUS 252 in 34.5 overs (Carey 99 – Ngidi 8-1-51-4, Rabada 7.5-0-41-3)