Spearheaded by Faf du Plessis’ century and his 151-run
partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, the Standard Bank Proteas finally
produced a complete performance with bat, ball and in the field to beat
Australia by 10 runs in their final match at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at
Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday.
In what was the 100th ODI between the two countries the two teams produced a
suitably memorable match, which leaves both teams having won 48 encounters with
three matches ending in ties and one no result.
It was also the Proteas eighth victory over Australia in the last nine
encounters between the two countries and only South Africa’s second victory
over Australia at a World Cup, the other one having come in South Africa’s
first ever match at a World Cup at Sydney in 1992.
Du Plessis was named man of the match for his century (100 off 94 balls, 7
fours and 2 sixes) and for his overall leadership qualities although the award
could equally have gone to David Warner for his century (122 off 117 balls, 15
fours and 2 sixes).
It was Du Plessis’ fifth century against Australia against whom he has an
average well in excess of 50 and his 12th overall. He also became the seventh
Protea to complete 1 000 ODI runs against Australia.
There were good supporting acts for both sides by Van der Dussen who made a
career best 95 (97 balls, 4 fours and 4 sixes) and Alex Carey for Australia (85
off 69 balls, 11 fours and a six).
Kagiso Rabada finally came out on top of the South African bowling attack
(3/56) which included two critical wickets in his last over when Australia were
still threatening to make a successful chase.
The outcome of this match has seen India top the final log. India will play New
Zealand in the one semi-final and Australia take on England in the other.
Proteas exit World Cup on a winning note
