As per cricbuzz report, In an outstanding display of all-around brilliance, South Africa secured a commanding 134-run victory over Australia in Lucknow on Thursday (October 12). The Proteas posted a competitive total of 311 runs, largely thanks to Quinton de Kock’s second consecutive century.
Their dominance was evident from the start, as they dismantled Australia’s top order in the very first Powerplay. With key wickets including those of Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, and Steve Smith, Australia was left reeling at a dismal 70/6. It was only through a 69-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc that Australia managed to avoid a more severe defeat.
South Africa’s supremacy extended to all aspects of the game. Australia, choosing to bowl, hoped for a dewy evening that would make batting easier under lights.
However, the new ball offered more movement than expected, and South Africa’s fast bowlers, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, capitalized on these conditions, stifling Australia’s scoring in the Powerplay. Pressure led to crucial wickets, with Smith being dismissed controversially by Kagiso Rabada, leaving Australia rattled. Rabada continued to trouble the batsmen, eventually removing Josh Inglis.
Adding to Australia’s woes was the spin on offer, making their task even more challenging. Glenn Maxwell fell victim to Keshav Maharaj, and Marcus Stoinis departed amid controversy, creating further frustration for the Australian side. Despite conditions easing later in the game and the onset of dew, Australia had insufficient batting firepower left to mount a comeback. South Africa’s bowlers took full advantage of the conditions and the pressure built by the scoreboard, limiting Australia’s progress. South Africa’s total of 311, considered par at the halfway mark, now seemed slightly above par in hindsight.
South Africa’s innings was set up by Quinton de Kock’s superb century, his second in as many matches, and a fluent half-century from Aiden Markram. Although they didn’t replicate the same explosiveness they displayed against Sri Lanka in Delhi, the conditions in Lucknow were more challenging. The relaid pitch with red soil played better, albeit at a slower pace with variable bounce. De Kock and Markram, along with Temba Bavuma, laid a solid foundation for South Africa. Markram’s composure ensured that the run rate remained steady during the middle overs. However, Australia’s fightback towards the end was notable, with improved bowling tactics, lines, and lengths.
Unfortunately for Australia, several dropped catches throughout the innings allowed South Africa to score at least 30 runs more than they should have. Ultimately, the target of 311 proved insurmountable for the five-time champions.
Match Summary:
- South Africa: 311/7 in 50 overs (Quinton de Kock 109, Aiden Markram 56; Glenn Maxwell 2-34, Mitchell Starc 2-53)
- Australia: 177 in 40.5 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 46; Kagiso Rabada 3-33, Keshav Maharaj 2-30, Tabraiz Shamsi 2-38)
- Result: South Africa won by 134 runs.