SA vs ENG, 3rd ODI: Key moments from a thrilling game

image-ldmpga3rJofra picked up 6 wickets [Associated Press]

England finally managed to salvage their pride by winning the third and the final ODI against South Africa on Wednesday.

At one stage, England were in trouble, tottering at 14 for 3, but a Jos Buttler special innings resurrected their innings before Jofra Archer had a remeption game. The fiery pacer picked up 6 for 40 and tore away a strong Proteas lineup to steal the consolation win.

Let us see the key moments that defined the game

Brilliant Buttler annihiliates South Africa

As a captain, Buttler had a torrid time in the series, but the England skipper showed his batting prowess in the final game of the series. With the top-order failing to inspire once again, the onus was on Buttler to steer England to a respectable total.

Lungi Ngidi fired all guns blazing at the start, picking up 3 wickets up-front, but Buttler continued the aggressive approach, and alongside Dawid Malan, built a partnership for the ages. The duo added 232 runs, and South Africa lost the plot. 

Buttler was at his imperial best, and the Proteas attack had no answer for it. By the time he was dismissed, the aggressive batter had slammed 131 off 127 balls, laced with six fours and seven sixes.

Woakes - The breakthrough man

Often we don't give credit to the underrated performer of the game. The final ODI saw Woakes bowl some lovely lines and lengths, but was taken for runs in the initial few overs by Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks.

Chasing a mammoth 347, South Africa needed a good start, and the opening duo provided just that. As usual, Bavuma was the aggressor early on, and he carried the confidence after scoring a sublime ton in the last game. But just when the game was slipping away from England's radar, Woakes got rid off the dangerous Bavuma that halted their momentum.

He deliberately bowled a slower one and the change off pace did the trick as Bavuma found Topley at covers. This wicket completely changed the momentum of the contest.

The Klaasen-Parnell duo providing depth to the South African batting

In a chase of 347 runs, South Africa were down to 193 for six when Heinrich Klaasen and Wayne Parnell came together. The duo stitched a partnership of 85 runs and and at one stage it looked like they will take the team home. 

But Jofra Archer dismissed Klaasen and brought England back into the match. Although, Klaasen and Parnell failed to steer South Africa home, the partnership will keep the team management assured. Going into the ODI World Cup scheduled later this year, they can take heart from the fact that contributions from batters like Parnell lower down the order will keep them fighting in matches that go down the wire. 

Archer is bacccckkk!

Just the good news England wanted to hear, especially with the World Cup in few months time. The new found aggression in the South African batting troubled England, until Archer stepped in. He was decisive with the ball in hand, and took cruciual wickets of Aiden Markram (39), and Heinrich Klaasen (80). 

At one stage, the home team were cruising when Markam and Klaasen were batting. But Archer's twin strike changed the complexion of the game. He finished with figures of 6 for 40 and took his team to the winning line.

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