Australia avoided an ODI series whitewash against South Africa as Alex Carey's composed 74 and Mitchell Marsh's aggressive 56 set up a 45-run victory under the DLS method in a rain-affected third and final match in Potchefstroom.
Australia posted 322 for nine before rain interrupted South Africa's chase at 145 for four after 28 overs. The result gave the visitors a consolation victory, although South Africa took the series 2-1.
Marsh Sets the Pace, Carey Takes Charge
After struggling to produce a collective batting performance in the opening two matches, Australia finally found contributions throughout their order, with each of their top seven reaching double figures.
Marsh led the early assault, striking seven fours and a six inside the first six overs. He raced to his half-century off 32 balls before falling lbw to Bjorn Fortuin for 56 off 42 deliveries.
Carey arrived with Australia 118 for three in the 18th over and initially adopted a cautious approach. He scored just 14 from his first 25 balls before finding his rhythm against both pace and spin.
The wicketkeeper-batter shared a 73-run partnership with Oliver Peake, who made an impressive 48 in his first appearance of the series.
Carey subsequently reached his first ODI half-century in more than a year, finishing with 74 before Corbin Bosch dismissed him in the 46th over.
Bosch Prevents Australia from Reaching 350
Australia appeared capable of a much bigger total when they reached 249 for four after 40 overs. However, South Africa's bowlers recovered during the closing stages.
Bosch led the fightback with four for 60 from nine overs, claiming two important late wickets. Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams chipped in with two wickets each.
The late breakthroughs restricted Australia to 322, leaving South Africa with a challenging but achievable target.
However, the weather intervened during the chase, with South Africa reaching 145 for four in 28 overs before play was abandoned.
Carey Pleased as Focus Shifts to Tests
Carey, named Player of the Match, welcomed Australia's improved batting performance after two disappointing results.
Although rain denied Australia the opportunity to complete the contest on the field, Carey was satisfied with the result.
"Rain is never a good thing in cricket, but we were ahead of the curve," he said, while acknowledging South Africa's series victory.
With the ODI series concluded, Australia's attention now turns to the upcoming Tests
Maharaj Takes Series Honours
Despite the defeat, South Africa had plenty to celebrate, particularly Keshav Maharaj's performances across the three matches.
The left-arm spinner, named Player of the Series, credited his teammates for allowing him to dictate proceedings with the ball.
He also highlighted the importance of adapting his lengths to South African conditions and praised fellow spinner Bjorn Fortuin.
"Understanding the batters and figuring out game-plans against batters," he said, would remain crucial as South Africa prepare for next year's ODI World Cup.
Brief Scores: Australia 322/9 in 50 overs (Alex Carey 74, Mitchell Marsh 56, Oliver Peake 48; Corbin Bosch 4/60) beat South Africa 145/4 in 28 overs (Ryan Rickelton 71*) by 45 runs (DLS method). Series: South Africa won 2-1.
0 Comments