By Lucky Maree
Once England had set the Proteas a massive target in the third ODI at Kimberley, the writing seemed on the wall.
In the Proteas’ favour, the pitch had been flattening out all afternoon. It started off favouring the bowlers with uneven bounce and cost England three wickets for only nine runs but went dead allowing England to score the last 20 overs at a strike rate of more than 200%.
The Proteas face a massive total of 346 and a batting line up without Quinton de Kock.
There is always (clutching at straws) the memory of Herschelle Gibbs scoring 175 during the famous 438-match against Australia – but that, as we all remember, was in 2006. Misquoting Mike and the Mechanics, “all we need is a miracle”.
South Africa started well with in-form Temba Bavuma scoring rapidly, but when he went out for 35 runs the required run rate was already a massive mountain to climb.
Rassie van der Dussen went for five, Reeza Hendricks (52), Aiden Markram (39) and Heinrich Klaasen (80) all play serviceable innings, but there will be no Herschelle Gibbs-type miracle tonight.
Between Jofra Archer (six wickets) and Adil Rashid (3) they take most of the wickets, but any of the bowlers could have done the damage.
The game ends in the 44th over with South Africa finishing on 287.
Scorecard:
England 346 for 7
South Africa 287
Top batters
Heinrich Klaasen 80 (62 balls)
Reeza Hendricks 52 (61 balls)
Top bowlers
Jofra Archer 6 wickets 9.1 overs for 40 runs
Adil Rashid 3 wickets 10 overs for 68 runs
England win by 59 runs.
Pictured above: England batsman
Image source: @EnglandCricket
