Australia v South Africa
Wisden's review of the third match, Australia v South Africa
15-Apr-2017
At Providence, Guyana, June 7, 2016 (day/night). South Africa won by 47 runs. South Africa 5pts. Toss: South Africa. One-day international debut: T. Shamsi.
Behardien dragged the South African innings to a modest 189, yet it was enough to set up a surprising bonus-point win. A superbly controlled spell by Hazlewood had given Australia the upper hand, and the pressure told: Amla's suicidal run-out sparked a collapse from 81 for two to 112 for six, exposing South Africa's long tail. But Behardien, playing for his place, fought his way to 62 to give his bowlers something to defend. Rabada and Parnell - in his first international since July 2015 - took up the challenge with three quick wickets, before the slow bowlers asphyxiated the chase. The inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who snared Maxwell in his first over and looked dangerous throughout, meant this was the first time South Africa had picked three specialist spinners since March 2011. The decision was vindicated as Australia slipped to 90 for eight in the 23rd over. And, when Finch fell to Phangiso for 72 out of a total of 113, it all but ensured that the three teams would leave South America with one win each. South Africa fielded a record eight non-white players, but a series-ending shoulder injury to Rossouw, sustained while diving to prevent a boundary, cast a shadow over their victory.
Man of the Match: F. Behardien.
Behardien dragged the South African innings to a modest 189, yet it was enough to set up a surprising bonus-point win. A superbly controlled spell by Hazlewood had given Australia the upper hand, and the pressure told: Amla's suicidal run-out sparked a collapse from 81 for two to 112 for six, exposing South Africa's long tail. But Behardien, playing for his place, fought his way to 62 to give his bowlers something to defend. Rabada and Parnell - in his first international since July 2015 - took up the challenge with three quick wickets, before the slow bowlers asphyxiated the chase. The inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who snared Maxwell in his first over and looked dangerous throughout, meant this was the first time South Africa had picked three specialist spinners since March 2011. The decision was vindicated as Australia slipped to 90 for eight in the 23rd over. And, when Finch fell to Phangiso for 72 out of a total of 113, it all but ensured that the three teams would leave South America with one win each. South Africa fielded a record eight non-white players, but a series-ending shoulder injury to Rossouw, sustained while diving to prevent a boundary, cast a shadow over their victory.
Man of the Match: F. Behardien.