South Africa staged a sensational comeback in the ODI series against Australia, securing a triumphant 3-2 series victory by defeating the Aussies by a commanding 122 runs in the fifth ODI at the Wanderers on Sunday, September 17th. The hero of the day was undoubtedly South African all-rounder Marco Jansen, who delivered an outstanding performance with both bat and ball.
In a contest that showcased the essence of resilience, Marco Jansen’s spectacular display proved pivotal. Initially, South Africa faced a sluggish start but recovered admirably, primarily thanks to Jansen’s explosive batting. He blazed his way to a blistering 47 runs off just 23 balls, setting a formidable target of 316 for Australia.
However, Jansen’s contribution wasn’t limited to his batting prowess; he also emerged as a bowling maestro in this crucial encounter. Jansen showcased his versatility by bagging an impressive five wickets while conceding only 39 runs in his eight-over spell, marking his career-best performance in ODIs. His exceptional bowling skills shattered Australia’s hopes as he dismissed key Australian batsmen, including David Warner and Josh Inglis, early in their innings, effectively halting their momentum.
The triumph wasn’t solely attributed to Jansen’s brilliance. Other South African players also played pivotal roles in this remarkable turnaround. Aiden Markram and David Miller constructed a vital fifth-wicket partnership, amassing a substantial 109 runs. Meanwhile, Andile Phehlukwayo’s late fireworks, featuring three sixes in the final over, propelled South Africa’s total beyond the 300-run milestone.
This victory marked an extraordinary reversal of fortunes for South Africa, who had endured defeats in the first two matches of the series. However, they showcased incredible resilience by bouncing back with three consecutive victories to seize the series 3-2, offering a substantial morale boost ahead of the forthcoming World Cup in India.
After the match, Marco Jansen expressed his elation at his exceptional all-round performance, emphasizing the confidence such displays instill in him.
Here is the schedule and results of the South Africa (SA) vs Australia (AUS) series:
| Date | Match | Venue | Result | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, Wed | Australia vs South Africa, 1st T20I | Kingsmead, Durban | Australia won by 111 runs | 04:00 PM |
| Sep 01, Fri | South Africa vs Australia, 2nd T20I | Kingsmead, Durban | Australia won by 8 wickets | 04:00 PM |
| Sep 03, Sun | South Africa vs Australia, 3rd T20I | Kingsmead, Durban | Australia won by 5 wickets | 12:00 PM |
| Sep 07, Thu | South Africa vs Australia, 1st ODI | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein | Australia won by 3 wickets | 11:00 AM |
| Sep 09, Sat | Australia vs South Africa, 2nd ODI | Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein | Australia won by 123 runs | 11:00 AM |
| Sep 12, Tue | South Africa vs Australia, 3rd ODI | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom | South Africa won by 111 runs | 11:00 AM |
| Sep 15, Fri | South Africa vs Australia, 4th ODI | SuperSport Park, Centurion | South Africa won by 164 runs | 11:00 AM |
| Sep 17, Sun | South Africa vs Australia, 5th ODI | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | South Africa won by 122 runs | 08:00 AM |
South Africa’s remarkable comeback in the series, fueled by Marco Jansen’s extraordinary all-round performance, will be remembered as a defining moment in their cricketing history. This thrilling victory serves as a testament to their resilience and adaptability, propelling them forward with renewed confidence as they prepare for the highly anticipated World Cup in India.
