South Africa wrapped up another bilateral series against Australia, extending their streak to six in a row, and did it at a Wanderers venue awash in pink. The yearly charity game, now in its 14th year, funds breast cancer awareness and care. The hosts have claimed ten of those contests.
Players wore the names of survivors and fighters instead of their own. David Miller carried his mother Jenny’s name and repaid the gesture with a personal best of 142, clearing the 100 mark off 73 deliveries. Skipper Temba Bavuma added a century too, his maiden ODI hundred at this ground, and the pair combined for 156 runs for the fourth wicket.
Jack Edwards, only two ODIs into his career, collected five wickets, though Australia’s concerns ran deeper. Nathan Ellis exited after four overs with a side strain.
The chase began brightly. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head raced to 130 in 17 overs, striking 17 boundaries and five maximums from Marsh alone. Head passed fifty off 55 balls, and a dropped chance at backward point when he was on 66 gave South Africa a scare. Then the hosts turned to their slower bowlers, and the game changed.
Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram shared five scalps while giving away fewer than six an over. Australia shed six wickets for 121 runs between the 17th and 40th overs. Maharaj removed Carey and Renshaw, both trapped in front, and Cameron Green perished trying to clear long-on.
Edwards and Xavier Bartlett put together 61 for the seventh wicket, with Bartlett reaching fifty from 26 deliveries, but Australia ended up bowled out with two balls unused.
Adding to their troubles, a fielding penalty hit them for a second successive game. Potchefstroom awaits, and the visitors have plenty to fix.
