Batting first, the Proteas got off to a poor start losing Temba Bavuma for a golden duck in the opening over. The hosts then lost Matthew Breetzke when the team score read 12 in 2.2 overs. Reeza Hendricks and skipper Aiden Markram clamed things down by forming a formidable partnership.
The duo added 58 runs for the third wicket with Hendricks contributing 42 runs off 30 balls, while Markram scoring 41 runs off just 23 deliveries. The standout performance for South Africa came from Donavon Ferreira, who blazed his way to 48 runs off a mere 21 balls, featuring five powerful sixes.
Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks his top three contenders for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee also made valuable contributions, and South Africa concluded their innings at 190/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sean Abbott was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming 4 wickets for 31 runs in his quota of 4 overs, including a maiden. Marcus Stoinis also chipped in with a couple of scalps.
Travis Head Guides Australia to a Memorable Victory
Australia’s response was headlined by Travis Head‘s remarkable knock. Head played a blistering innings, scoring 91 runs off just 48 balls, which included eight boundaries and six towering sixes. He was well-supported by Josh Inglis, who contributed 42 runs off 22 deliveries.
Stoinis also played a crucial role with his 37 runs off 21 balls. Despite a few hiccups, Australia successfully chased down the target, finishing at 191/5 in 17.5 overs. In the face of Australia’s determined chase, South Africa’s bowlers struggled to make significant breakthroughs. Bjorn Fortuin claimed 2 wickets for 36 runs in his spell. However, their efforts were not enough to stop Australia from clinching victory.
Also READ: India squad for ODI World Cup 2023 finalized; KL Rahul in, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma out
With this 5-wicket win, Australia completed a clean sweep of the T20I series, having won all three matches convincingly. The series results were as follows:
- First T20I: Australia won by 111 runs.
- Second T20I: Australia won by 8 wickets.
- Third T20I: Australia won by 5 wickets.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Australia go all guns blazing to overhaul the target in the 18th over
With this, they have sealed a 3-0 series whitewash#SAvAUS
: https://t.co/I7XSeO2rgN pic.twitter.com/TYeuHHZjJv
— ICC (@ICC) September 3, 2023
AUSTRALIA WIN THE #KFCT20I SERIES
The visitors seal the series with a 5-wicket victory over the Proteas 🏟 #SAvAus #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/RQKfvT43Ho
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 3, 2023
The visitors seal the series with a 5-wicket victory over the Proteas 🏟 #SAvAus #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/RQKfvT43Ho
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 3, 2023
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.