Gibbs inspires Proteas to crucial victory
Herschelle Gibbs' half-century set South Africa on their way to victory
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Friday, 23, Jan 2009 05:07
Half-centuries from Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis helped South Africa chase down Australia's 269 all out with 21 balls to spare for a 2-1 lead in the one-day series.
Having seen the hosts make a decent first-innings total at the Sydney Cricket Ground, thanks mainly to opener David Warner's 69 off 60 balls, South Africa looked to be faltering as they collapsed from 140-2 to 163-5.
But a quick-fire 40 off 22 balls from Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher's unbeaten 31 saw the tourists home for a crucial victory.
Australia started their innings well, with openers Warner and Shaun Marsh (43), putting on a century before the former was bowled by Dale Steyn.
After good beginnings though, several of the home side's batsmen got starts but failed to go on to big scores with captain Ricky Ponting (29) and middle-order men Mike Hussey (12), Damien Hussey (36) and James Hopes (33) all getting into double figures.
In reply, the South Africans started nervously and Hashim Amla (13) paid the price for attempting to force a run and was caught out of his ground with the score on 29-1.
Gibbs (64 off 52 balls) steadied the ship with an expansive innings alongside indomitable number three Jacques Kallis (60 off 72) as the Proteas took control.
But when Gibbs fell to a sharp catch from Mike Hussey off Mitchell Johnson with the score on 125-2 they began to wobble, as AB de Villiers (five), in-form JP Duminy (nine) and then Kallis all fell in quick succession.
It took time, but gradually the batting lineup of the tourists shook themselves back into action though as Neil McKenzie (27) at number six and Boucher gained control over the Australian bowlers.
And once Morkel arrived at the crease - bludgeoning six fours and a six from his 22 deliveries - Johan Botha's men were home and dry.