Proteas secure ODI series win over Pakistan

THE Proteas produced a well-rounded performance on Wednesday evening in the final ODI against Pakistan played at Newlands, which not only earned them a comprehensive seven wicket victory, but the ODI series as well.

Captain Faf du Plessis and in-form batsman Rassie van der Dussen managed to chase down the required 241 total set by Pakistan, which handed their side a 3-2 series win over the visitors.

This result over the ICC Champions Trophy holders was their fourth series win in a row, following their recent successes against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia.

This victory was important for Ottis Gibson’s charges as far as the ICC Cricket World Cup prospects are concerned, silencing the media and adding confidence within the squad.

ALSO READ: Phehlukwayo puts his hand up at Kingsmead

Gibson played three batting all-rounders Wiaan Mulder, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo in an attempt to shorten the suspect lower order, which was not needed on the night.

This meant that David Miller had to sit the game out.

In turn, it gave the Proteas a six-man attack for the first time in the series and allowed flexibility for Du Plessis to vary his tactics effectively.

Du Plessis opened the bowling with Imran Tahir and used his frontline attackers extensively in the first half of the Pakistan innings with Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada both bowling seven overs out of the first 26.

The all-rounders also came to the party, sharing five wickets between them.

Pakistan’s batting woes continued, with wickets falling at regular intervals and only one partnership being posted in excess of 50 runs.

Fakhar Zaman, who was dropped by Hashim Amla on 20, posted his team’s top score of 70 off 73 balls.

Pakistan’s total of 240 had them in the game, until Man of the Match Quinton de Kock smashed 83 off 58 balls to get his side off to a flying start.

De Kock and Amla put on a 39-run first wicket partnership, which was followed by stands of 61, 46 and finally an unbroken 95 between Du Plessis and Van der Dussen.

Both batsmen reached their half-centuries with Van der Dussen finishing as South Africa’s leading runs scorer in a magnificent debut series.

Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq was announced Man of the Series for being the leading runs scorer.

Both sides will know compete in three T20 matches before Pakistan head back home.

T20 Fixtures

Friday, 1 February at Newlands at 6pm.

Sunday, 3 February at Wanderers at 2.30pm.

Wednesday, 6 February at Supersport Park at 6pm.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer