An incredible win for the Proteas who sealed a series victory against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last night. The victory boasts a maiden century as well as a 5 wicket haul.
After winning the toss, the Proteas elected to bat, which was probably a good idea since they have won more matches in Abu Dhabi batting first than they did batting second. De Kock and Amla shared an opening partnership of 87 runs before Amla was dismissed. De Kock then went on to grab his maiden century with an incredible six. Duminy and McLaren then finished off the Proteas innings with a 52 run partnership.
At the end of the innings, the Proteas set Pakistan a target of 267. Pakistan started off well with Shehzad and Hafeez sharing a 74 run partnership. Imran Tahir then dismissed Hafeez with a beautiful delivery. The ball sneaked between Hafeez and the bat (and gloves) and went on to hit the wickets. Explaining it doesn't sound as beautiful as watching it.
Eventually Misbah-ul-haq came to the wicket and one of the commentators actually said, "I wonder if Misbah will change his name to Misbah-ul-haq-in-a-crisis." Reason being, he always comes in when Pakistan is facing a crisis.
The introduction of Misbah did in fact lift Pakistan. Misbah and Maqsood shared a 88 run partnership from 93 balls. Unfortunately, in the swing of things, Maqsood hit one too many balls and was later sent packing. After the wickets of Misbah and Maqsood fell, the last few wickets fell in quick succession. As the wickets were falling, Steyn was the bowler behind those wickets and eventually recorded a career best figures of 5-25.
After McLaren bagged the last wicket, De Villiers showed true patriotism as he kissed the Proteas badge.
The Proteas not only secured a 28 run victory, but won the 5 match ODI series and lead the series 3-1 with one match remaining. The Proteas didn't leave it late this time. They clinched the ODI series with one match remaining.
The 5th ODI will be played on Monday at 12:25 CAT.