'We played positive cricket': victorious Proteas captain
The Proteas chased down 372 in 49.2 overs to beat Australia by 4 wickets, sealing the series and in the process achieving the highest successful run chase at Sahara Park, Kingsmead, in an explosive ODI under lights.
Local boys David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo took the team to a thrilling victory with an undefeated 7th wicket partnership of 107 runs off 70 balls.
Man-of-the-match Miller, who picked up a suspected groin injury early in his innings, smashed 118 runs off 79 balls while 20-year-old Phehlukwayo contributed a spirited 42 off 39 balls to take their team across the finish line.
Afterwards, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis described the contest as the best match he had ever been involved in and Miller's innings as his best of his career. Earlier, Quinton de Kock had contributed 70 brisk runs and Hashim Amla returned to action with a rapid 45 off 33 balls.
"David Miller take a bow. We played positive cricket. We wanted to score 120 off the first 20 overs but actually scored 160 off 20. Our run rate was good throughout the innings in spite of losing wickets. Our middle order had to win the game for us," said Du Plessis.
A delighted Miller, who previously had a highest score of 65 against Australia in an ODI, added that it was a "special knock" and "really cool" to be involved in such an exciting match.
"It was nice to see the team home in a great team effort. I am enjoying my cricket as always," he said afterwards.
Phehlukwayo described his innings as "nerve-wracking" and said that it was thanks to the experience of Miller beside him that he was able to contribute to the win.
"It was difficult to begin with but he calmed me down in the beginning and told me to watch the ball, stand still and hit straight," he exclaimed.
Phehlukwayo benefited from an umpiring decision early in the partnership. Replays (and the snickometer) showed that he had been caught behind by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade off the bowling of Chris Tremain.
"David Miller played a blinder at the back end," was Australian captain Steve Smith's view.
"You don't lose too many matches after scoring 371. We didn't execute with the ball and, even though we have an inexperienced bowling line-up, it was disappointing," he said.
"We will keep trying to learn how to win in the last two games - but we have not been able to take early wickets to stop the scoring rate," he concluded.
The action now moves to Port Elizabeth where the fourth ODI will take place on Sunday.