Agencies
Durban, AUGUST 27
South Africa beat New Zealand by 62 runs in their decisive third one-day international on Wednesday to win the series 2-1.
Captain AB de Villiers’ rapid 64 from 48 balls provided the impetus in South Africa’s 283-7 batting first at Kingsmead.
When he was on 19 he reached 8000 runs in one-day internationals in his 182nd innings – the fastest to the milestone.
The previous record was held by Sourav Ganguly of India, who took 200 innings.
New Zealand briefly threatened that total before three quick wickets in the middle order sent the Black Caps from 141-3 to 156-6. They never recovered.
Allrounder David Wiese took 3-58 for South Africa — including two of those crucial mid-innings wickets — to end his first ODI series strongly. Legspinner Imran Tahir had 2-33.
Opener Tom Latham continued his good form with a steady 54 at the start of New Zealand’s chase, but no one else settled as the tourists fell well short to be bowled out for 221 in 49.2 overs.
South Africa’s victory separated the teams after they drew the Twenty20 series 1-1 and were level going into the last day of the tour.The win was scant consolation for South Africa following New Zealand’s thrilling victory in the semifinals of this year’s World Cup, but it did pick the Proteas up after losing their previous ODI series in Bangladesh.
New Zealand was still competitive throughout after resting a string of front-line players, including regular captain Brendon McCullum, for the trip to southern Africa.
“Overall this tour has been of great benefit to the team as a whole,” stand-in skipper Kane Williamson said.
Veteran Morne Van Wyk hit 58 at the top of the South African innings and Hashim Amla made 44, but it was De Villiers’ typically adventurous innings that swung the momentum the way of the home side.
He smacked eight fours and a six, and combined for 86 runs off just 10 overs with David Miller. Farhaan Behardien added 40 from 28 balls for good measure, with 30 of his runs coming from boundaries.
Ben Wheeler was New Zealand’s best bowler with 3-71.
Latham set his sights on anchoring New Zealand’s chase and despite losing opening partner Martin Guptill early, the plan showed promise.
But his stand of 84 with captain Williamson was broken when Tahir beat Williamson to clatter a delivery into his stumps.
Seamer Wiese bowled George Worker, and then had Grant Elliott — New Zealand’s World Cup semifinal match-winner — caught in the deep to see South Africa take complete control.
