South Africa win by four runs after India failed in pursuit; ODI clean sweep for hosts; Quinton de Kock breaks 124 of 130 balls to reach his 17th century ODI
Quinton de Kock scored 124 of 130 balls
Quinton de Kock scored a magnificent century as South Africa completed a clean sweep of their one-day three-match international series against India with a tense four-run victory at Newlands on Sunday.
India opted to field and restricted South Africa to 287 in total to one ball from 50 overs, but the visitors narrowly missed their pursuit as they managed 283 with four balls remaining in the innings.
Deepak Chahar scored a good 54 from 33 balls to bring India closer, but they lost their last three wickets by five runs as the home team surged past the lower order.
De Kock’s 17th century ODI boosted South Africa’s total, his 124 coming from 130 balls, and added 134 for fourth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen, who made a solid 52 from 59 balls.
David Miller weighed in at 39 late innings, but South Africa may have felt they were 30 runs short after going 214-3 in the 36th. Prasidh Krishna was chosen for the visiting attack with 3-59.
India was on course in pursuit when it went to 116-1` in the 23rd, but two quick wickets proved to be a major setback.
Shikhar Dhawan (61) skidded a shot to goalkeeper De Kock off closer Andile Phehlukwayo (2-38), and on his first ball, the dangerous Rishabh Pant attempted to throw the same pitcher for six but was caught in deep coverage.
It was poor shot selection by Pant, not for the first time on tour.
When former captain Virat Kohli (65) departed, only Chahar’s spirited 54 brought India within arm’s reach.
Sailors Lungi Ngidi (3-58) and Phehlukwayo (3-40) again impressed the hosts.
South Africa previously won the teams’ three-match test series 2-1.
