South Africa v Australia, 2016-17
Wisden's review of the fourth ODI, South Africa v Australia, 2016-17
15-Apr-2017
At Port Elizabeth, October 9, 2016. South Africa won by six wickets. Toss: Australia.
South Africa produced a show of strength as their reserve attack ran through Australia. Abbott found early seam movement to dismiss the openers, before left-arm wrist-spinner Shamsi spun through Smith and Head in three balls. Marsh countered with 50 but, when he nicked Abbott behind, Australia crumbled to 167 - their lowest score in 11 one-day internationals at St George's Park. Six batsmen fell lbw, equalling the record for an ODI innings. Despite his gritty half-century, Wade further jeopardised respectability: after quarrelling with Shamsi, he hung out his elbow while running past him.
South Africa produced a show of strength as their reserve attack ran through Australia. Abbott found early seam movement to dismiss the openers, before left-arm wrist-spinner Shamsi spun through Smith and Head in three balls. Marsh countered with 50 but, when he nicked Abbott behind, Australia crumbled to 167 - their lowest score in 11 one-day internationals at St George's Park. Six batsmen fell lbw, equalling the record for an ODI innings. Despite his gritty half-century, Wade further jeopardised respectability: after quarrelling with Shamsi, he hung out his elbow while running past him.
Contact was minimal, but the umpires intervened; both were fined 25% of their match fee, and earned a demerit point (part of the ICC's new disciplinary system). So swift was Australia's demise that the reply began before lunch, and Tremain quickly snared the openers. But South Africa were never in real danger. Du Plessis, badly dropped at point by Zampa off Hastings on 16, anchored the chase with 69, and the runs were ticked off with time to spare.
Man of the Match: K. J. Abbott.
Man of the Match: K. J. Abbott.