Twitter Reactions: Marnus Labuschagne and Ashton Agar star in Australia’s come-from-behind victory against South Africa

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SIn the first ODI of the Australia tour of South Africa 2023 at the Mangaung Oval, cricket fans were treated to a thrilling encounter between South Africa and Australia. The toss saw Australia electing to bowl first, setting the stage for a gripping showdown.

South Africa Innings: 222/10 (49 Overs)​

South Africa’s innings witnessed a mixed bag of performances. Notable contributions came from skipper Temba Bavuma, who crafted a resilient 114 runs off 142 balls, and Marco Jansen, who added 32 crucial runs. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact, with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock managing only 11 runs.

Among the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for 41 runs in his 10 overs. Marcus Stoinis and Sean Abbott also chipped in with important wickets, restricting South Africa to a total of 222.

Australia Innings: 225/7 (40.2 Overs)​

Australia’s chase got off to a shaky start with early wickets, including that of David Warner. However, Marnus Labuschagne, who came in as a concussion substitute for injured Cameron Green, emerged as the hero of the day, scoring a brilliant 80 runs off 93 balls, steering his team to victory. All-rounder Ashton Agar played a crucial supporting role with 48 runs, and Travis Head contributed with a brisk 33.

The South African bowlers gave a spirited effort, with Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee taking two wickets each. However, it was not enough to stop Australia from achieving the target.

Also WATCH: Rassie van der Dussen run out after mix up with Temba Bavuma against Australia​

Result:​

In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, Australia managed to secure a hard-fought victory by 3 wickets. Marnus Labuschagne’s stellar performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:​

What a turn around. What a win! Clutch innings by Labuschagne and Agar.

— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) September 7, 2023

From 113/7 to 225/7, winning by 3 wickets.

Marnus Labuschagne & Ashton Agar, take a bow, enjoy the beers #SAvAus

— Christo Herholdt (@Christo_Jnr) September 7, 2023

Got ya! Well played Marnus & agar . #SAvAUS

— Taha bugti (@bugtitaha_58) September 7, 2023

Proteas need to play more cricket! The rust is showing badly! This is embarrassing.. #SAvAUS

— Ayanda (@AceMalusi) September 7, 2023

Came in as a concussion replacement, won them the game. Talk about making statements. Take a bow, Labuschagne #SAvAUS

— Adeel Irfan (@adeelusbaatus) September 7, 2023

Temba Bavuma averaging 56+ in ODI Cricket & today he played a magnificent knock , Toughest hundred.#SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/k0UWCYjzj9

— Nawaz (@Nawaz_888) September 7, 2023

Ashton Agar in his last two ODI games :

17(21), 41/2(10 overs) vs India
48(69),40/1(9 overs) vs SA today

All-Rounder #SAvAUS #SAvsAUS

— JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) September 7, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne and Ashton Agar take Australia home: https://t.co/rsOygdXsFU#SAvAUS #1stODI #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DsNyGJVhlm

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 7, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne and Concussion, Well Done!#SAvAUS#CricketTwitter

— Pranav Nair (@leg_gully) September 7, 2023

South Africa are the biggest choker in Cricket . They just somehow find a way to lose

And Australia is just showing why batting depth is important in cricket nowadays #SAvAUS

— 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐤 (@Its_Vivekk) September 7, 2023

What a win.. ODI's give strong teams a chance to comeback from behind

Australia were 113/7 Labuschagne and Agar took their, hit a four after 15 Overs and then competed the chase in 41.2 overs to cross the line.

Terrific win for Australia #SAvAUS #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/xHfLmoSUVu

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) September 7, 2023

Temba Bavuma becomes the first player in this decade to carry the bat throughout an ODI inning.

2nd South African after Gibbs to do it and overall the 13th player in ODI cricket. #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/WelrQItrk8

— Abdullah Jan (@TheStaticsLad) September 7, 2023

Also READ: Mitchell Marsh sheds light on David Warner’s role in the ODI World Cup 2023​

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