Australia celebrate after winning the Twenty20 series 2-1

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

An all-round effort by Australia saw them beat South Africa by six wickets in Cape Town and win the Twenty20 International series 2-1.

Opting to bat first, South Africa opener Hashim Amla stole the spotlight as he dominated Australia’s bowling attack from beginning to end.

The 32-year-old hammered a career-best 97 not out, which came off 62 balls and included eight boundaries and four sixes, and was well supported by David Miller, who struck a quickfire 30 towards the end of the innings, and opening partner Quinton de Kock, who smashed a rapid 25.

Amla’s career-best knock of 97 not out went in vain

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Thanks to Amla, South Africa finished on 178/4 off their 20 overs.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Shane Watson and James Faulkner chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 179 to win, Australia got off to a superb start as Watson and Usman Khawaja put together a 76-run partnership before Watson was dismissed by Imran Tahir for 42.

Tahir struck again just three balls later as he removed Khawaja for 33. However, just when South Africa had got rid of Australia’s two set batsmen, David Warner and captain Steven Smith stabilised the innings with a 79-run stand to edge the Baggy Greens ever closer to their target.

Tahir provided the breakthrough once again as he ran Warner out for 33 before Smith was caught behind off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada for 44.

Despite the loss of Warner and Smith, Australia managed to get across the finish line as Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh mopped up the remaining runs.

Tahir was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Rabada claimed one.

Amla was named Man of the Match for his valiant innings of 97 not out.