Exactly why the Proteas waited until England had them by the throat, gasping for survival, battling to avoid another series shellacking before producing their best batting performance beggared belief.
But masterful centuries by openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock led South Africa to a die-hard seven-wicket win over England at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday.
Chasing England’s 318/8, De Kock starred with a knock of 135 from 117 balls.
He overshadowed Joe Root’s 125 (113), which threatened to close the series prematurely.
This match was a walk to the gallows for the Proteas – back to back home series defeats to England looming – while the visitors gladly wanted to chaperone the troubled hosts towards a potentially embarrassing demise.
Before the game Amla spoke about each of the remaining three matches in the five-game ODI series being finals, and he and De Kock opened the chase as such.
Amla was measured, and swatted his way to 127 from 130 balls.
De Kock brought up his tenth ODI ton from 96 balls.
The pair outdid Andrew Hudson and Gary Kirsten’s record opening wicket partnership against England – 156 in 1996, also set at this ground – with their 239.
Spinner Adil Rashid had De Kock caught by Root at mid-off.
Earlier, after England’s Jos Buttler brainlessly ran himself out, Alex Hales and Root put together 125 runs for the second wicket.
Two runouts to two top four batsmen ensured England did not enjoy a start similar to South Africa’s, which cost them in the end.
When Stokes skied Abbott to Farhaan Behardien, England’s pursuit of a score somewhere in the uppish 300s ended, ultimately allowing the Proteas to extend their stay in the ODI series.
De Kock and Amla tons steer SA to victory
But masterful centuries by openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock led South Africa to a die-hard seven-wicket win over England at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday.
Chasing England’s 318/8, De Kock starred with a knock of 135 from 117 balls.
He overshadowed Joe Root’s 125 (113), which threatened to close the series prematurely.
This match was a walk to the gallows for the Proteas – back to back home series defeats to England looming – while the visitors gladly wanted to chaperone the troubled hosts towards a potentially embarrassing demise.
Before the game Amla spoke about each of the remaining three matches in the five-game ODI series being finals, and he and De Kock opened the chase as such.
Amla was measured, and swatted his way to 127 from 130 balls.
De Kock brought up his tenth ODI ton from 96 balls.
The pair outdid Andrew Hudson and Gary Kirsten’s record opening wicket partnership against England – 156 in 1996, also set at this ground – with their 239.
Spinner Adil Rashid had De Kock caught by Root at mid-off.
Earlier, after England’s Jos Buttler brainlessly ran himself out, Alex Hales and Root put together 125 runs for the second wicket.
Two runouts to two top four batsmen ensured England did not enjoy a start similar to South Africa’s, which cost them in the end.
When Stokes skied Abbott to Farhaan Behardien, England’s pursuit of a score somewhere in the uppish 300s ended, ultimately allowing the Proteas to extend their stay in the ODI series.
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