Durban was a host to a special evening as something extremely remarkable was witnessed during the third ODI between South Africa and Australia. After being set a colossal 372 to win the third ODI and wrap the series up, the hosts were up for the challenge with full intent. The Proteas put forward a display of magic as they went about successfully chasing 372, which turns out to be the second highest successful run chase in ODI history.
The chief architects of South Africa’s victory were southpaws David Miller and Quinton De Kock. While the wicketkeeper couldn’t convert his half century into a big score, Miller, arguably, played the knock of his career. Along with the lower middle order, Miller kept South Africa in the hunt and finished off the game in style. South African skipper Faf du Plessis admitted that this was the best win in which he was involved.
“I would rank this as the best win I have been involved in,” du Plessis said. “Most teams would think that we would be dead and buried. Best innings you will see. Over the moon for David Miller. I am pretty disappointed with the bowling. 320 would have been par on that wicket. The batting unit has been doing well but for me, the positive was the middle order. 99% of the teams will fall over but we managed to get across the line.”
“We had short goals to get there and we were always ahead, just that we lost wickets. It was freakish to get across the line. Amazing knock and so proud of Miller. It looked impossible. Australia looked in control and it takes an innings of bravery to go out there and play your shots. The guys in the dressing room are in a real good space,” du Plessis added.
Miller, who was named the Man of the Match, was delighted with the win. “It’s a special moment. You don’t get these moments too often,” Miller said. “Credit to the other batters as well who chipped in when needed. Nice to have a bit of form and confidence behind you and I am enjoying my cricket, trying to make the best out of a situation. The surface was one of the better ones. There was a bit of chat of it being slow at the end but a great wicket. Credit to Australia as well; two hundreds in there. It’s difficult to work out when to go and when not to. We were trying to take it as deep as possible. Phehlukwayo was nervous coming in but got better with the more time he spent,” said Miller.