KANGAROOS SWEPT ASIDE
David Warner hit a magnificent century for
Australia but could not prevent South Africa from completing a clean sweep by
winning the fifth and final one-day international by 31 runs at Newlands.
Warner hit 173 off 136 balls but received scant support from his
teammates as Australia, chasing South Africa's 327 for eight, were bowled out
for 296.
South Africa won all five matches in the series, the first time
Australia have suffered such a beating in a five-game bilateral series.
Australia will retain their number one ranking in one-day internationals,
however, with South Africa two points behind in second place.
"Davey was phenomenal but the rest of us didn't stand
up," said Australian captain Steve Smith. "Credit to South Africa,
we've been outplayed in all the games."
Rilee Rossouw hit 122 and JP Duminy made 73 as South Africa piled
up the third-highest total in a one-day international at Newlands, making them
firm favourites on a ground where the highest successful run chase was 258.
Warner was dropped by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Kagiso
Rabada when he had 11. He went on to play a thrilling innings, hitting 24
fours, and Australia remained in with a chance of victory until he was ninth
out with the total on 288, run out by a throw from the point boundary by Imran
Tahir, desperate for a risky second run in order to keep the strike.
Leg-spinner Tahir had earlier taken two wickets in his first over,
ending an opening stand of 72 between Warner and Aaron Finch, then bowling
Smith two balls later.
South African captain Faf du Plessis paid tribute to Warner for an
"incredible innings" but said South Africa deserved their series
triumph. "At different times different guys stood up. Whatever Australia
threw at us we had the answers. I'm very proud of the team."
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both made 35 but Australia were not
able to stage a big partnership such as the 178 off 170 balls posted by Rossouw
and Duminy after South Africa had been struggling at 52 for three.
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