END OF OVER:20 | 11 Runs 1 Wkt | SA: 190/8 | RR: 9.50
- Keshav Maharaj9 (7b)
- Lungi Ngidi2 (2b)
- Nathan Ellis4-0-50-0
- Sean Abbott4-1-31-4
DaWolf: "Big target, but in the first two games Australia completely dominated the South African bowling. Australia still favourites - but wickets change that."
3:30pm Phew, that was a whirlwind innings that ebbed and flowed from the very start. Australia enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, removing Bavuma and Breetzke early. Hendricks and Markram, though, counter-attacked beautifully, mustering a 58-run partnership. Stubbs came in after Markram and looked good too but his dismissal, along with that of Hendricks, left SA tottering at 122-6.
But then...Ferreira walked in and he batted like he owned the place. He hit five sixes and a four en route a 21-ball 48 and almost single-handedly powered South Africa past the 180-run mark. The hosts' planning, especially in the last few balls, left a bit to be desired but they would be happy they have 190 on the board, having been 12-2 and 122-6 at two different junctures.
As for Australia, Abbott was the star of the show, bagging four wickets. He was very expensive in his first 11 balls, though, and it was only after he accounted for Markram that he started wrestling back control. Ellis was uncharacteristically expensive, as was Sangha but Australia will be quietly confident of hunting down this total, despite this being a slightly tacky surface. Do join us in a bit for the run-chase!
Donovan Ferreira: It was very good. Just trying to keep it as clear as possible and enjoy. You only get one debut. I always back myself, try to hit as straight as possible and try to keep the intensity up. (On the pitch) It is a bit tacky and a bit slow and hopefully our bowlers can do the job.
Ngidi to try his luck with the bat now
Mausam: "This match will be interesting . Aus can chase anything below 200" -- It will take a brave person to bet against them, especially after what has happened in the first two games...
D Ferreira run out 48 (31m 21b 1x4 5x6) SR: 228.57
Ellis to bowl the final over. Can SA get to 190?
END OF OVER:19 | 3 Runs 1 Wkt | SA: 179/7 | RR: 9.42
- Keshav Maharaj2 (4b)
- Donovan Ferreira47 (20b)
- Sean Abbott4-1-31-4
- Nathan Ellis3-0-40-0
One ball left in the over. This is effectively a free hit for Maharaj, and the brief will be for him to play in even numbers this ball to ensure Ferreira is on strike for the last over
Three balls left in the over. Ferreira has a chat with Maharaj, presumably telling him to just get a single
Maharaj in at 9
G Coetzee c sub (AM Hardie) b Abbott 13 (19m 11b 0x4 1x6) SR: 118.18
That talk about SA getting to 170 seems a bit silly now. 200 on the cards. Can Australia keep them down to under 200?
END OF OVER:18 | 22 Runs | SA: 176/6 | RR: 9.77
- Donovan Ferreira46 (19b)
- Gerald Coetzee13 (10b)
- Nathan Ellis3-0-40-0
- Marcus Stoinis4-0-39-2
END OF OVER:17 | 16 Runs | SA: 154/6 | RR: 9.05
- Gerald Coetzee6 (8b)
- Donovan Ferreira32 (14b)
- Marcus Stoinis4-0-39-2
- Spencer Johnson4-0-29-0