South Africa beat Australia, win ODI series 4-1
South Africa capped a dream tour of Australia by winning the ODI series on Friday in addition to the Test series earlier and claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings.
South Africa defeated Australia by 39 runs in the fifth and last One-Day International at Perth to clinch the five-match series 4-1. Chasing 289 runs, Australians were bundled out for 249 in 49 overs.
South Africa rested Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini for this match and selected two debutants Wayne Parnell and paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe for the game. And the debutants did not disappoint at all.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe claimed big fish like Shaun Marsh (5), skipper Ricky Ponting (12), Michael Hussey (78) and Mitchell Johnson (5). Wayne Parnell got rid of Brad Haddin (63) and was involved in the crucial run-out of David Warner (22).
Electing to bat first South Africa scored 288/6 in 50 overs with opener Hashim Amla contributing 97 runs. AB de Villiers (60) and in-form JP Duminy (60) boosted the total in the end.
The series was already sealed by South Africa after winning the fourth One-dayer but the top ODI ranking was up for grabs in the dead rubber.
South Africa won its first Test series in Australia 2-1. The Proteas were also the first team in 16 years to beat the Aussies on home soil.
