Hindustan Surkhiyan Desk: Records tumbled as David Miller and Faf du Plessis slammed centuries to lead South Africa to a 40-run win in the 3rd ODI against Australia at Hobart and with that claim the three-match series 2-1.
The pair shared in a 252-run stand – the highest ever against Australia in ODIs – to power the Proteas to 320 for 5. In reply, Shaun Marsh struck his sixth ODI century but could not get his side over the line as the hosts plundered towards the end managing 280 for 9.
When there were clear indications of the third ODI being another low-scoring affair, Du Plessis and Miller came together displaying a batting masterclass.
After winning the toss and putting the visitors into bat, Australia got a dream start with Quinton de Kock out in the third over.
Mitchell Starc did the damage, bowling a perfect line and length, with de Kock getting a tickle on the ball and wicketkeeper Carey taking the catch.
Aiden Markram smashed three sixes, including one huge blow off Marcus Stoinis that went out of the ground and down the street, with a new ball needed, on his way to 32.
This sensational Markram six brought back some great memories for @gilly381! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/OI88A3yOTV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 11, 2018
But as he looked set for a big score, he flicked a Starc delivery down the leg side to Carey, leaving South Africa struggling.
Then hard-hitting Miller joined skipper du Plessis and the scoreboard began racing along.
Du Plessis was dropped on 29 and Miller escaped an lbw dismissal on 41 that was overturned on review.
They made the most of their second lives and began swinging their bats as du Plessis reached his century in 105 balls with 11 fours and one six before falling to Stoinis going for another big hit at the death.
This was a remarkable shot from Faf! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/QJrxFeaWnF
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 11, 2018
Miller made the landmark in 95 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, and was finally caught at deep midwicket off Josh Hazlewood in the last over.
Later, a composed Shaun Marsh cracked a fighting 106 in the run chase, ably supported by Marcus Stoinis (63) and Alex Carey (42) — an improvement on recent batting displays but still not good enough.
Pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn both took three wickets.
Australia experimented with Chris Lynn as opener for the run chase, but it spectacularly backfired when Steyn snared him for a golden duck.
Australia’s woes were compounded when Aaron Finch soon followed him back to the pavillon.
It was down to Marsh and Stoinis to open their shoulders and look for boundaries. They put on an impressive 107 before Stoinis was caught at backward point.
Carey supported Marsh as he made his sixth one-day ton in 98 balls, with six fours and four sixes, before he was caught at deep midwicket and hope began to evaporate.
