Australia vs South Africa, 2018: 1st ODI – Statistical Highlights

Australia’s testing times continue as they were outplayed by the South African team in the first game of the three-match ODI series in Perth. On a track that was offering assistance to the pacers, the hosts were reduced to 66/6 after electing to bat. Contributions from lower order helped them to score at least 152. In the chase, the South African opening pair of Quinton de Kock (47) and Reeza Hendricks added (44) 94 for the opening wicket before they cruised to a six-wicket win with 124 balls to spare.

All the major stats and numbers that were recorded during the one-sided affair:

1 – The Optus Stadium in Perth is the only home venue of Australia where they lost their first two ODI matches. Australia won their first ODI in six venues out of the ten other home venues. They went on to win their second match at the other four venues where they didn’t taste success first time (1st match lost in three venues; N/R in one venue).

6 – South Africa have defeated Australia in each of their last six ODI matches. This is Proteas’ longest winning streak against Australia in the limited-overs format equaling their previous achievement in 1997-1998.

6 – Runs Australia’s top three scored in this match; the joint second fewest by them in an ODI. Their top three had scored only one run in the 1996 CWC semi-final against the Windies in Mohali whereas they collectively aggregated six runs in the 1984 Castries ODI against the Windies.

7 – Australia now has lost each of their last seven matches in the 50-overs format. This is their longest losing streak in ODI cricket beating the previous record of six games between September and November in 1996. The Aussies have won only two of their last 21 ODIs now.

30 – South Africa’s top three scoring 30+ is the first such instance for the Proteas in an ODI against Australia in Australia. This is overall the 4th instance for South Africa where their top three crossed 30 in an ODI against the Aussies.

38.1 – Australia were bowled out for 152 batting only 38.1 overs. These are the second lowest overs the Aussies batted in a home ODI while batting first. Australia were bowled out for 74 in 26.4 overs against Sri Lanka in the 2013 Brisbane ODI.

89 – Number of matches Imran Tahir needed to complete 150 ODI wickets. He is the joint 4th fastest player and the joint fastest South African to claim 150 ODI wickets.

120 – Australia now has lost an ODI with 20+ overs to spare on five occasions at home. Four of the five instances were recorded at Perth (three at WACA) out of which three were against South Africa.

151 – Number of wickets for Imran Tahir has taken in his ODI career. He is only the 8th South African player to claim 150 wickets in the format and is the only spinner among the eight.