Janneman Malan hit a match-winning century that secured a 2-0 ODI series victory for the Proteas against Australia with a 6-wicket win in Bloemfontein, writes Khalid Mohidin.
After restricting Australia to 271 thanks to a six-wicket haul from Lungi Ngidi, the Proteas showed excellent composure to claim the series against Australia.
READ: PLAYER MOMENTS: LUNGI NGIDI MAIDEN FIVE-FOR RESTRICTS AUSTRALIA
After losing Quinton de Kock early on to Mitchell Starc who for the 3rd time since the start of the tour knocked over his stumps with an in-swinger, the Proteas decided to set up their innings carefully.
Janneman Malan and Jon Jon Smuts took their time at the crease, with steady running between the wickets taking singles to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The pair scored 91 before Smuts lost his wicket looping the ball straight to long-on.
It was evident what the Proteas aimed to do – build a solid platform with the intent to launch in the final 10 overs.
Malan was crucial to this plan, as he brought up his maiden half-century, but he had to watch his Cobras teammate Kyle Verreynne lose his wicket for 3 in the same manner as in Paarl, pulling to mid-wicket, in the process.
Heinrich Klaasen joined Malan and he carried on where Smuts left off, but just a tad quicker batting at almost a run a ball. His supportive role came to an end in the 39th over, when skied a slog sweep after a 51-ball 50.
David Miller continued where Klaasen left off, he supported the 23-year-old as he converted his maiden 50 into a crucial century. He adapted his usual attacking gameplan and built his innings cautiously taking 124 balls to reach the milestone, bouncing back from the duck on his debut in Paarl.
It was now time to let loose.
After reaching his century he hit four fours and a six, to guide the Proteas to victory. Miller caressed the ball through the covers for four to end on 37 off 29 balls and seal the win.
Malan finished the match with an incredible 129 off 139 balls.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix
