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SA vs AUS | Klaasen Smashes 174 Before Ngidi, Rabada Demolish AUS To Enforce Decider

image-lmkzxdjpLungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada claimed seven wickets between them (Twitter)

South Africa routed Australia by 164 runs to level their five-match series 2-2 at Centurion. After hosts mounted another 400-plus total upfront, the new-ball pace duo of Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada drained the last ounce of life from Australia’s fruitless run-chase, thus setting up an exciting finale this Sunday at Johannesburg.

Klaasen, Miller go berserk with 94-ball 222

South African openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks got off to confident starts with their 64-run stand at the top. However, both batters missed out on their respective half-centuries and found themselves back in the hut at 95-2.

Rassie van der Dussen at number three cracked a cohesive 62 while his skipper Aiden Markram was deceived by Michael Neser at eight. At 194-4 in 35 overs, an established Heinrich Klaasen found a new partner in David Miller. All hell broke lose thereafter as the two batting barbarians unleashed an extraordinary sequence of boundaries for the subsequent 15 overs.

Klaasen himself bludgeoned a career-best 174 off just 83 balls, while Miller blasted an unbeaten 45-ball 82. Both added 222 scintillating runs in just 94 balls to charge-up South Africa’s total to a colossal 416-5 by the end of their 50th over.

While treating every bowler, sans Neser, with equal disdain, Klaasen and Miller took a special liking to leading Australian spinner Adam Zampa. By the time the two Proteas batters were done with their guests, Zampa had 113 runs and no wicket to show for off his 10 overs to claim joint-worst bowling figures in ODI history.

Carey’s fighting 99 no match for Rabada, Ngidi

Australia’s run-chase intent was clear, and flawed, as they kept losing top-order wickets in pursuit of quick powerplay runs. In-form opener and Australia’s best bet to overcome 417, David Warner was the first to depart for 12 in just the third over of the innings. His partner Travid Head coped a blow on his left hand while captain Mitchell Marsh was trapped in front by Lungi Ngidi.

Ngidi’s new-ball partner Kagiso Rabada soon joined in the fun by getting rid of Australia’s hulking figure Marcus Stoinis. While Tim David fought for a while with 35, wicketkeeper Alex Carey rebelled a little longer with 99 fighting punches.

Unable to cope with falling wickets and mounting required rate, both perished in front of Ngidi and Rabada as the two speedsters ended up accounting for seven Australian batters in the run-chase together. The visitors had their response halted at 252 to hand South Africa a huge 164-run win and a chance to fight another day this series.

South Africa and Australia will now face each other in the series-deciding fifth ODI at Johannesburg’s iconic Wanderers Stadium on September 17.

Brief Scores:

South Africa: 416-5 (50)
Heinrich Klaasen 174 (83), David Miller 82* (45)
Josh Hazlewood 2-79 (10), Michael Neser 1-59 (10)

Australia: 252 (34.5)
Alex Carey 99 (77), Tim David 35 (25)
Lungi Ngidi 4-51 (8), Kagiso Rabada 3-41 (7.5)