Proteas chase down massive total to stun Aussies
De Villiers was in sparkling form leading the Proteas to victory
Also In The News
|
Holby City actor Tom Chambers has been crowned this year's winner of Strictly Come Dancing. |  |
Sunday, 21, Dec 2008 09:59
South Africa have completed the second-highest successful run chase in Test history after scoring 414-4 to beat Australia in Perth.
The tourists began the final day on 227-3, with Jacques Kallis (57) and AB de Villiers (106 not out) the unbeaten men at the crease.
Captain Graeme Smith had put his side in an excellent position, scoring 108, before he fell to Mitchell Johnson late on day four.
However, Kallis and de Villiers showed no signs of nerves as they resumed on the fifth day taking their partnership up to 124 before Johnson had Kallis caught by Mike Hussey.
At 303-4 South Africa were still in a strong position, although that had been the case in the first innings when they were 234-3 before Johnson ripped through their batting line up and they were all out for 281.
Despite bowling 34 overs the seamer could not repeat that feat in the second innings and de Villiers and JP Duminy continued untroubled towards their target.
De Villiers played with calmness and scored nine fours in his innings of 106 not out off 186 balls that guided his side to victory.
He was well-partnered by debutant Duminy who made a useful 50 not out.
South Africa's 414-4 is the second-highest successful run chase in history behind the West Indies' 418-7 against Australia in Antigua in May 2003.
The defeat is the latest setback for the Australian side who recently lost a Test series against India.
The Aussies got back to winning ways against New Zealand but the Proteas are sure to provide a much sterner test for the rest of the series than the Kiwis.
The second Test of the three-match series starts on Boxing Day in Melbourne.