South Africa celebrate after winning the series 3-2

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa proved to be too much for New Zealand to handle in the fifth ODI in Auckland as the Proteas powered their way to a six-wicket win.

The victory, which saw South Africa reclaim their position as the top ranked ODI team in the world, was largely set up by Kagiso Rabada’s three-wicket haul, Imran Tahir’s economical spell, and Faf du Plessis’ unbeaten 51.

The Proteas’ win also snapped New Zealand’s streak of eight successive bilateral ODI series victories.

Opting to bowl first, South Africa did an exceptional job to spear through New Zealand’s top order and leave them in disarray at 72/5 in the 20th over.

James Neesham, Mitchell Santner and Colin de Grandhomme all put up valiant fights, making 24, 24 and 32 respectively.

But, even though De Grandhomme was the last man to fall, he received no support from any of the lower order batsmen.

Tahir broke the record for the most economical spell by a bowler in an ODI in New Zealand

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As a result of this, the Black Caps were skittled out for a dismal 149 in the 42nd over.

Rabada led the way with three wickets, while Tahir, who gave away just 14 runs from his 10 overs, and Andile Phehlukwayo snapped up two wickets apiece. Chris Morris, meanwhile, chipped in with one.

Rabada finished with figures of 3-25 off 7.1 overs

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Chasing a straightforward target of 150 to win, South Africa were dealt an early blow as opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed by Jeetan Patel for six runs.

Hashim Amla and JP Duminy fell shortly after, while captain AB de Villiers made a quickfire 23 before being caught behind off the bowling of Neesham.

However, that was to be New Zealand’s last taste of success for the rest of the match as Du Plessis and David Miller put together an unbeaten 62-run partnership, during which Du Plessis brought up his fifty, to lead South Africa to victory with 106 balls to spare.

Du Plessis finished on 51 off 90 balls, which included six boundaries, while Miller remained undefeated on 45 off 35 deliveries, which included six boundaries and two sixes.

Du Plessis scored his 26th ODI fifty

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Patel was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while De Grandhomme and Neesham claimed one wicket each.

Rabada was named Man of the Match.