South Africa v England 5th ODI - 5 Talking Points

The South Africans managed a magnificent turnaround with a brilliant 5-wicket win over England in the 5th ODI at Cape Town. The win was commended by one and all as they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Alex Hales was the mainstay of the England innings as he got the monkey of his back to complete his century. However, Hales waged a lone battle as Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, and David Wiese picked up 3 wickets apiece to blast out the England batting. Joe Root (27) and Ben Stokes (29) were the only other England players who made a useful contribution to the England total. Jos Buttler failed to replicate his heroics from the first ODI as he was cleaned up by Rabada for a first ball duck. On the back of a fantastic 112 from Alex Hales, England finished off on 236. Reece Topley wrecked the England top order as the Proteas found themselves at 22-3 at one point. However, it was the calmness of AB de Villiers that prevailed as the skipper scored yet another century to see his side home. De Villiers was ably supported by Hashim Amla and David Wiese with the latter’s cameo ensuring a much-deserved win.

1. South African bowling rips through England:

Perhaps for the first time this series, the South African bowling attack looked menacing. De Villiers handed the ball to Imran Tahir early on in the innings. The move proved to be a masterstroke as Tahir removed Jason Roy. A few overs later, Tahir removed the dangerous Joe Root. Following the dismissals, Rabada and Weise ran through the middle order, removing Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler among others. Thus, a brilliant bowling performance won a massive chunk of the game for the hosts.

2. Alex Hales completes century:

Alex Hales was the only player in the England lineup that showed some intent of winning the match. Despite losing partners at the other end with monotonous regularity, Hales continued on his merry way. His flashy cuts and classy on-drives ensured that the English rescued the troublesome situation. His compilation of 112 saw him strike a mammoth 14 boundaries. He was dismissed in the first ball of the 43rd over by Kagiso Rabada. His century however, went in vain as the Proteas clinched the match and the series.

3. Reece Topley decimates South Africa top order:

Reece Topley has been a revelation in the current tour. He was instrumental in the first two wins for England. Apart from forming a rather formidable bowling partnership with Stuart Broad, Topley was magical with the ball at Cape Town. He first removed the dangerous Quinton de Kock for 4. Another in-swinger the following delivery saw Faf du Plessis cleaned up b the irresistible Topley. The Proteas were in trouble when Topley picked up the wicket of Rilee Russouw. Once Topley was done with his first spell, the Proteas found themselves at 22-3 and in deep trouble of losing the game.

4. AB de Villiers completes century:

Following Topley’s magical spell, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla led the fightback. De Villiers was at his innovative best as he ensured that he kept the run rate in check. He took calculated risks while compiling his century. As the target edged closer, de Villiers reached his century with a gentle prod to point. The century sees him regain the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings. De Villiers remained on an unbeaten 101 as his knock included 14 fours and 1 six.

5. David Wiese cameo completes Proteas win:

David Wiese justified his selection with a magnificent cameo of 41 off 32 deliveries. Wiese joined de Villiers at the middle following the demise of Farhaan Behardien with the score at 166-5. His innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes. He smashed a boundary off the final ball of Chris Woakes to ensure a South African win.