Adelaide: Chasing 223 to win, South Africa attained the target by losing just two wickets and sealed the 5-match ODI series by beating Australia in the 4th One-dayer at Adelaide
Australia who seemed unbeatable in 2007 had a very pathetic 2008 year end. loosing 2 consecutive CB Series in ODI's, loosing test series against South Africa.
In South Africa innings, Hashim Amla and Hershell Gibbs gave an attacking start to the innings, adding 58 runs in 9.2 overs. Hershell Gibbs scored 38 runs in just 29 balls. Amla played a gem of the innings scoring 80 runs (not out) in 103 balls. AB de Villiers also chipped in valuable runs scoring 82 runs in just 85 balls. Amla and de Villiers had a un-beaten partnership of 144 runs 3rd wicket.
Earlier Australia had a bad start loosing 2 quick wickets in 2.5 overs at 17 runs, after Ponting decided to bat first. Skipper Ponting and Hussey gave stability to the Australian Innings. Ricky Ponting chipped 63 runs and was the top scorer from the Aussies side.
James Hopes scored fast 42 runs in 44 runs giving some respectable total to the innings.
Man of the match : AB de Villiers
Brief Score: South Africa 223/2 (de Villiers 82*, Amla 80*) beat Australia 222 (Ponting 63, Steyn 3-49) by 8 wickets
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