Titans Cricket held its 2022/2023 annual awards on Friday evening at the Capital Menlyn Maine to celebrate top achievers from the season.
The occasion saw players and coaching staff swap their playing kit for evening gowns and sharp suits in honour of the event.
The big winners on the night were Sune Luus and Donovan Ferreira who walked away with the Weber mens and womens Player of the Season after strong outings this season in Sky Blue.
Sune Luus who spends a significant amount of time with the Momentum Proteas made a welcome return to the Fidelity Titans for the CSA Womens Provincial One Day Cup. Luus was outstanding when called upon with bat or ball and made a great impact in the squad and the teams run in the competition.
The 2022/2023 campaign saw Donovan Ferreira exhibit his abilities across all formats and decisive knocks at crucial times saw him bag the big award for the Momentum Multiply Titans. While he’s always been known for his big hitting in T20s Ferreira proved a handy middle order batter in the CSA 4 Day Domestic Series this season.
As far as the future is concerned, we saw two young cricketers collect gongs at the awards night. Lesedi Madisha was crowned Womens Most Promising Player while Dewald Brevis was named Garmin Mens Newcomer of the Year.
“I enjoy these occasions because it provides us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of our biggest stakeholders. It’s their night to enjoy themselves and a reward for the work they’ve put into the last season. Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees from the Fidelity and Momentum Multiply Titans on the successful season” Said Titans CEO Dr Jacques Faul.
The evening also provided one last opportunity for the Sky Blues to say goodbye to those closing the chapter on the game and moving on from Titans Cricket. Stalwarts Heino Kuhn and Farhaan Behardien were saluted after announcing their retirement from cricket while Mignon du Preez and Theunis de Bruyn were wished well after calling time on their international careers.
The Momentum Multiply Titans also said their goodbyes to Geoffrey Toyana (assistant coach) Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist) and Matthew Reuben (Team Analyst) who are moving to Easterns and the Proteas, respectively.
“It’s always been important to us to recognise our legends and to give them the respect and treatment that’s due to them. They do a lot in making the Titans who we are so it’s only right that we give them the acknowledgement they deserve.” Faul said.
Full list of award winners:
• Garmin Men’s Newcomer of the Year: Dewald Brevis
• Women’s Most Promising Player of the Year: Lesedi Madisha
• Men’s T20 Player of the Year: Dayyaan Galiem
• Women’s T20 Player of the Year: Eliz-Mari Marx
• Weber Men’s First Class Player of The Year: Neil Brand
• Garmin Men’s Most Valuable Player of the Year Award: Junior Dala
• Weber Fans’ Player of the Year Award: Dewald Brevis
• Men’s One-Day Player of the Year: Aiden Markram
• Women’s 50 Over Player of the Year: Sune Luus
• Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: Junior Dala
• Women’s Players’ Player of the Year: Robyn Searle
• Weber Women’s Titans Player of the Year: Sune Luus
• Men’s Titans Player of The Year: Donovan Ferreira
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG: A career-best 83 off 44 balls by Reeza Hendricks was not enough as the Proteas fell to a seven-run defeat to West Indies in the decisive third KFC T20 International (T20I) at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The right-hander thumped two sixes and 11 fours in his innings, before becoming one of Alzarri Joseph’s five victims when he fell in the penultimate over as the run-rate began to soar in South Africa’s pursuit of 221.
In the end they finished with 213 for six – short of what would have been another epic chase as they slipped to a 2-1 series defeat.
Just two days earlier, the hosts were involved in a world record chase when they hunted down 259 at Centurion. This time, though, it was not to be despite the heroics of Hendricks, who was aided for a large part of the chase by Rilee Rossouw (42 off 21 balls).
At the start, the Proteas tried to follow the trend of the series where the chasing side had won each of the previous two games, with captain Aiden Markram winning the toss and bowling in a match that saw Adrian Holdstock and Shaun George both make their 50th appearances as standing umpires.
Openers Kyle Mayers (17) and Brandon King (36) provided them with a strong start by putting on 39 in the first 3.2 overs, before Kagiso Rabada (2/50) cleaned up the former and Johnson Charles (0), centurion hero from SuperSport Park, in successive deliveries.
King then helped Nicholas Pooran (41 off 19 balls) add 55 for the next wicket to put West Indies in a strong position of 94 for two in the ninth over.
When Anrich Nortje (2/36) struck to remove King, the home side began to claw their way back as Lungi Ngidi (2/45) and Markram (1/21) took key wickets to leave the score on 161 for eight in the 16th over.
But then came trouble for the Proteas in the form of Romario Shepherd, who bludgeoned an unbeaten 44 off 22 balls, and together with Josephs (14*), put on an unbroken 61 for the ninth wicket to see their side to 220 for eight.
The chase began well for South Africa thanks to Hendricks and fellow opener Quinton de Kock (21). The pair put on 32 in just over four overs, before the latter held out to deep point off Josephs, the fast bowler bagging his first scalp on his way to figures of five for 40.
Next in was Rossouw, who combined for a match-high 80 alongside Hendricks for the second wicket to ensure the home side kept with the pace.
Even after Rossouw fell, the Proteas were in the mix as long as David Miller (11) was still in the middle. However, once he fell, the scoreboard pressure began to build and Hendricks was left with little choice but to throw his bat.
And he went for one shot too many at the start of the 19th over in which Player of the Match Josephs struck thrice to press home the West Indian advantage.
In the end, it was left to Markram to try and get the 26 needed from the final over – too tall an ask in the end leaving the series for West Indies to clinch.
Proteas T20I squad against West Indies
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).
South Africa KFC T20 International Series against West Indies
Saturday, 25 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by 3 wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Sunday, 26 March
South Africa beat West Indies by 5 wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Tuesday, 28 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by 7 runs – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
CENTURION: Sisanda Magala claimed a career-best three-for but it was not enough to prevent the Proteas from slipping to a narrow three-wicket defeat to West Indies in the opening KFC T20 International (T20I) at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday.
The match was a T11 rather than a regular T20 after time was lost at the start due to persistent rain on the Highveld, but once play did begin the hosts were edged out by their visitors, despite the heroics of right-arm seamer Magala.
The 32-year-old not only shone with the ball by claiming three for 21, he also bashed an unbeaten 18 off five balls helping South Africa posted 131 for eight, but his efforts were not enough after the away side scampered past that target with three balls to spare.
David Miller top-scored for the Proteas with a rollicking 48 off only 22 balls in a match that marked the permanent T20 captaincy debut of Aiden Markram, who lost his first toss and was asked to bat first following a lengthy delay due to the weather at the start.
But once play started at 16h00, two hours later than scheduled, the home team fell into early trouble by losing Quinton de Kock (0) and Rilee Rossouw (10) inside the first 10 deliveries. Batting at number three, Markram made 14 before becoming the third wicket to fall in the fourth over leaving his side on 40 for three.
Miller was in next and stopped the slide at one end, although wickets continued to tumble around him with Reeza Hendricks (21 off 12 balls) following and Heinrich Klaasen (1) and Wayne Parnell (4) not too far behind, South Africa reaching 79 for six in the ninth over.
That signalled the arrival of Magala, who carted two sixes and a four on his way to helping Miller put on 47 in just 13 balls. The latter was dismissed with two balls to go following an innings that saw him strike four fours and three sixes, which helped set the visitors 132.
The Proteas claimed four wickets during the first 5.4 overs, but West Indies scored at an alarming rate during this period. Kyle Mayers fell for six to the unusually expensive Bjorn Fortuin (1/42), but Brandon King (23 off 8 balls), Nicholas Pooran (16 off 7 balls) and Johnson Charles (28 off 14 balls) were flying in that period.
Once they fell, their side was on 76 for four. Rovman Powell then kept his cool with an unbeaten 43 off 18 balls, and despite a late double strike by Magala, the islanders kept their cool to complete the job and move 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
Match two takes place at the same venue on Sunday.
Proteas T20I squad against West Indies
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).
South Africa KFC T20 International Series against West Indies
Saturday, 25 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by three wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Sunday, 26 March
South Africa vs West Indies – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Tuesday, 28 March
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG: Temba Bavuma produced his best century for the Proteas to ensure they went to stumps on day three of the second Betway Test against West Indies in the pound seat at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
Nearly six weeks after delivering his best One-Day International ton against England in a crucial series win, the South Africa captain scored an unbeaten career-best 171 off 275 balls (20 fours) to almost single-handed carry his side into a strong position.
They reached the close on the third day with a total of 287 for seven thanks in the main to Bavuma, whose magnificent performance took the hosts’ lead to 356 after they were in a precarious position early on. His main support came from Wiaan Mulder (42) and Simon Harmer (19) to some extent, but the rest of the batters struggled.
The South Africans had started the day on four for none and they fell into early trouble when Dean Elgar (5) and Tony de Zorzi (1) both fell inside the opening half-hour, Kyle Mayers (2/25) causing the early damage.
That brought Bavuma in with the score on eight for two and a massive rebuilding job awaited. Things got even worse as the morning progressed with batter of the series thus far, Aiden Markram, edging Kemar Roach (1/54) behind to Joshua da Silva for 18.
It was 32 for three at that stage and another wicket fell 37 runs later when Ryan Rickelton (10) edged Raymon Reifer (1/36) to the West Indian wicketkeeper as the Proteas battled to string together any meaningful partnerships.
Then when Alzarri Joseph (2/49) next removed Heinrich Klaasen (14), the home side were reeling on 103 for five.
Bavuma was a spectator at the other end for most of that time, but he finally find support through Mulder as the pair added 103 for the sixth wicket to double South Africa’s score.
During the partnership Bavuma went to only his second Test century in 192 balls and he then picked up the pace to reach his 150 in another 62 deliveries as he shared an important 71-run stand with Harmer.
The skipper lost his partner a few overs before stumps when he was trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/35), but he remained unbeaten to leave the home side in a strong position.
Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).
South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies
28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG: Half-centuries by Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi handed the Proteas the edge after opening day of the second Betway Test against West Indies at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The hosts reached stumps on 311 for seven thanks in the main to opener Markram, the Player of the Match in the series opener when he scored a century and 47, thanks to his scintillating 96 (139 balls, 17 fours).
De Zorzi, an international debutant in the series, also impressed with 85 off 155 balls (11 fours) as he banked a maiden Test 50.
However, after dominating the opening two sessions, the home side lost most of that impetus when the tourists claimed five wickets in the final two hours to remain well in the game after the first day.
There was nonetheless, plenty of positives for South Africa to be encouraged by, especially after their struggles with the bat over the past year.
This time around they again won the toss at the start, with captain Temba Bavuma electing to bat first under sunny skies on the Highveld. Dean Elgar and Markram both scored quickly early on as the Proteas went to 50 in 11 overs. The partnership reached 76, before the former was excellently caught by Roston Chase diving forward at short fine leg off pick-of-the-bowlers Gudakesh Motie (3/75) for 42 off 54 balls.
That brought together De Zorzi and Markram, who together the biggest partnership of the innings as the South Africans took control of the game. The two put on 116 together for the second wicket, taking their side to 192 when Markram tried to sweep and instead miscued to Jermaine Blackwood running to the leg side from slip, falling four short of a century.
The Proteas continued to look comfortable after tea when Bavuma (28) settled in nicely, only to be trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/39) ending a third wicket stand of 56. De Zorzi followed not too long after when he was bowled by Motie, with the recalled Ryan Rickelton next to go after reaching 22.
Kyle Mayers (2/24) added the late wickets of Wiaan Mulder (12) and Simon Harmer (1) to cap a strong comeback for the islanders as they took back some of the initiative that had been seized by South Africa.
Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).
South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies
28 February – 04 March
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
CENTURION: Kagiso Rabada’s 13th career five-for helped rescue the Proteas from a disappointing batting display to come back and complete victory by 87 runs inside three days of the first Betway Test against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.
The fast bowler claimed a stellar six for 50 in 15 overs to blow away the tourists for 159 as they chased a very gettable 247 that was set up by an outstanding bowling display of their own that skittled the hosts for 116.
Despite the valiant efforts of Jermaine Blackwood (79 off 93 balls, 12 fours, 1 six), the islanders fell short thanks to a wonderful showing by South African spearhead Rabada. He was aided well by Marco Jansen (2/33), Gerald Coetzee (1/20) and Anrich Nortje (1/48).
Their efforts put the home side 1-0 up in the two-match series, with match two to follow in Johannesburg starting next Wednesday.
Even though the Proteas were victorious, the batting unit were left with plenty to ponder after another meltdown that saw them last only 28 overs in their second innings. Kemar Roach was the chief destroyer for the West Indians as he bagged five for 47. Only Player of the Match Aiden Markram offered any resistance with his top-score of 47 to go with his first-innings 115.
South Africa resumed the third morning already in trouble on 49 for four and within the first eight runs they lost another key wicket in Heinrich Klaasen for five. Markram was next to go, followed by Jansen (6) and Senuran Muthusamy (4) leaving the total on 80 for eight.
Coetzee came in an hit out with a quick-fire 20 that at least lifted them past 100, before seamer Roach mopped up the last two wickets for his own 12th career five-for. Alzarri Joseph (2/30), Jason Holder (2/7) and Shannon Gabriel (1/26) were also amongst the wickets.
The visitors lost a clutter of wickets early on as they sunk to 33 for five, before Blackwood and Joshua Da Silva (17) gave them a glimmer of hope with a 58-run sixth-wicket stand. But once that was ended by Rabada, the rest of the wickets fell quickly giving the hosts the advantage after the first match of the series.
Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).
South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies
28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Monday, 20 February: Betway SA20 Board Chair, Pholesti Moseki, has hailed the successful inaugural season of the competition, which he says has surpassed all expectations. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape were crowned the inaugural Champions at a sold-out Wanderers on 12 February, capping off a month of entertaining cricket, packed stadiums and an unparalleled excitement for domestic cricket.
Betway SA20 Board Chair and Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Moseki said: “The inaugural Betway SA20 League got off to a thunderous start, surpassing all our expectations. Much as we worked hard and were intentional in positioning the Betway SA20 as the best League outside of India globally, were thrilled to see the uptake of this first season.
“From the first toss, fans flocked and packed our stadiums in numbers never seen in any of our domestic tournaments for a long time. Tickets were sold out in most matches, including the final. This confirmed to us that there is appetite and hunger for this format of cricket. It was also a humbling and gratifying realization that this product is what our fans have been yearning for.”
The success of the opening season has seen a fresh injection of appeal and glory to the domestic pipeline, giving players a global platform to showcase their skills and aspiring players a golden opportunity to strive for.
“The electrifying excitement brought about by the Betway SA20 will spill-over to create an enduring vibe in other formats of the game domestically. It is one of the abiding legacies that the League will leave behind. It is heartening that our local players had the opportunity to showcase their latent at a global stage occasioned by the tournament.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the Betway SA20 Commissioner, Graeme Smith and his team for a job well-done in bringing back the thrill of T20 cricket in South Africa and keeping the entire world entertained.
“I also congratulate Sunrisers Eastern Cape for their heart-warming and well-deserved title win of this inaugural tournament. They certainly displayed grit, focus and endurance in their campaign.
“Judging by the uptake of the first season of this tournament, I am confident that its second instalment will bring more ecstasy and excitement untold.”
The 33 matches played across six of South Africa’s premier cricket stadiums galvanised the cricket-loving public to foster new fan bases for each of the six new franchises. From the sea of blue and gold of Newlands’ faithful in Cape Town, the pink party from Paarl Royals’ supporters, the jovial Orange Army in Gqeberha, Durban’s super fans, the passion from the people of the Capital and the yellow whistles in Joburg, the six franchise have already built a steady allegiance which will only grow and flourish come season two.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been crowned the inaugural Betway SA20 champions.
The Gqeberha-based team cruised to a comfortable four-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals at a sold out Wanderers on Sunday.
The final was moved to the reserve day after a waterlogged field and inclement weather forced it to be postponed. But that did nothing to dim the excitement with the Bullring creating a fabulous atmosphere. And the Sunrisers Eastern Cape did not disappoint by delivering a brilliant bowling performance to by bowling the Capitals out for just 135.
It was led by the ever-green Roelof van Merwe. The 38-year-old delivered an excellent spell with the left-arm spinner picking up 4/31. Van der Merwe was ably supported by Sisanda Magala (2/30) and Ottniel Baartman (2/22).
The Sunrisers’ reply did not get off to the best of starts with Temba Bavuma departing in the second over to Eathan Bosch.
Aiden Markram’s team, however, were soon back on track with Adam Rossington counter-attacking through a 30-ball 57. Rossington tore into the Capitals’ attack and ensured the chase was never going to be tricky.
Anrich Nortje bowled his heart out for the Capitals in a bid to haul his team back into the game, but ultimately his 2/21 was not going to be enough.
Marco Jansen delivered the killer blow for the Sunrisers with his six over long-off, setting off the celebrations all the way from Johannesburg to Gqeberha.
Full list of Betway SA Award Winners:
Betway SA20 Champions: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Runners-up: Pretoria Capitals
Spirit of the Season: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Rising Star: Eathan Bosch (Pretoria Capitals)
Batter of the Season: Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)
Bowler of the Season: Roelof van der Merwe (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Player of the Season: Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Joburg Super Kings’ left-arm spinner, Aaron Phangiso, underwent an ICC Accredited Bowling Action Test at the University of Pretoria on 27 January. The Test was overseen by ICC accredited practitioner, Dr Helen Bayne. The test confirmed that Phangiso had bowled with a non-compliant action as identified by the Betway SA20 Independent Bowling Action Panel. Phangiso’s suspension from bowling in the Betway SA20 remains in force.
Phangiso will work through a rehabilitation process on his bowling action and the Independent Panel will determine the process regarding re-testing of the action once the rehabilitation work is complete.
All the various stakeholders in Phangiso’s career - Northerns Cricket Union, Cricket South Africa, the South African Cricketers’ Association, Joburg Super Kings and Betway SA20 - are aligned in their commitment to support the player in whatever manner is required, acknowledging that such a process is incredibly difficult for a player.
Joburg Super Kings have requested permission to replace Phangiso for the remainder of the Betway SA20 2023 with Kyle Simmonds, which will take place with immediate effect.
All parties involved will make no further comment on the matter.
Picture Courtesy : SA20/ Sportzpics
Article: Kevin Rademeyer , Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
KIMBERLEY: Heinrich Klaasen struck a belligerent 62-ball 80 but it was not enough as the Proteas fell 59 runs short in the third Betway One-Day International (ODI) played at The Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.
The right-hander, who stepped in as wicketkeeper for the final game after injury ruled out Quinton de Kock, clubbed two sixes and seven fours in his entertaining effort that kept South Africa on course to chase down a mammoth 347 before they ran out of wickets.
The hosts eventually fell to 287 all out, but they had nearly seven full overs still to go thanks to the attacking exploits of Klaasen, who was supported well by Reeza Hendricks (52 off 61 balls, 6 fours), captain Temba Bavuma (35), Aiden Markram (39) and Wayne Parnell (34).
However, a career-best six for 40 by England paceman Jofra Archer proved detrimental and was decisive in the final outcome.
It was nonetheless a courageous pursuit by the Proteas in a match that was effectively a dead-rubber in terms of the series – the home side sewed things up when they went 2-0 up by winning matches one and two – although there was still the bigger picture of World Cup qualification that saw the home side miss out on 10 valuable points.
They remained in ninth place on the ICC World Cup Super League table with two matches against Netherlands still to come later in the season. For now, though, the new white-ball coach Rob Walter will take heart from he saw in the series as the South Africans showed plenty of promise and potential for the future.
They came into match three with back-to-back wins over the world champions in Bloemfontein, and after winning the toss, captain Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first. But after three early strike by their most successful bowler Lungi Ngidi (4/62) that reduced the tourists to 14 for three, they allowed the game to get away from them.
That was thanks to a defining 233-run fourth wicket partnership between England skipper Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan. Both hit centuries with the former, named Player of the Match and Series afterwards, amassing 131 (127 balls, 6 fours, 7 sixes) and the latter recording 118 (114 balls, 7 fours, 6 sixes). Moeen Ali then blazed 41 as the visiting side posted a hefty 346 for seven.
Bavuma and Hendricks gave their side a fair start by putting on 49 for the first wicket, but the loss of the captain and Rassie van der Dussen (5) in quick succession hampered them. Hendricks kept the scoreboard ticking before he was next to go with the score on 112, with Markram also maintaining the run-rate during his brief spell in the middle. His departure, however, was quickly followed by that of the ever-important David Miller (13) and Marco Jansen (12) as the chase appeared to be fizzing out.
But Klaasen and Parnell had other ideas and together added 85 in only 54 deliveries for the seventh wicket. The Proteas appeared to be cruising home at the point, but there was always the risk of no recognised batters to follow, and when Archer broke the stand, the tail folded quickly.
South Africa were eventually bowled out in 43.1 overs allowing their opposition to seal a consolation win.
Proteas ODI squad against England
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Gbets Rocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Betway ODI Series against England
Friday, 27 January – 13:00
South Africa beat England by 27 runs – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Sunday, 29 January – 10:00
South Africa beat England by five wickets – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Wednesday, 01 February – 13:00
South Africa lost to England by 59 runs – The Oval, Kimberley
Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
