NEW DELHI: Heinrich Klaasen blasted a dazzling unbeaten century as South Africa recorded a four-wicket win over West Indies in the third and final One-Day International at Senwes Park on Tuesday.
With the first game being a draw and the West Indies winning the second game, victory in the ODI final allowed South Africa to share the honours.
South Africa won the toss and opted to go bowling, limiting the number of tourists to 260 in total.
The Proteas struggled early in their response as they slipped to 87-4, only to claim victory thanks to Klaasen’s power shot (119 from 61) with an astonishing 123 balls remaining in the innings.
“It’s a very good wicket and it’s one of my best shots,” Klaasen said during the post-match presentation. “We tried to play by the conditions, not the situation, and I had to fight fire with fire from the start against some excellent bouncers from Alzarri (Joseph).
“But the conditions dictate how aggressive you can be and it’s great to get the team over the line.”
The home side were without an in-form captain Temba Bavuma due to a hamstring injury, and they rested regulars Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
West Indies’ innings were boosted by a run-a-ball 72 from fly-half Brandon King, but Nicholas Pooran (39) and Jason Holder (36) were the only two others to post solid scores from an otherwise good wicket for the stick.
There were some wild shots from the visitors as they seemed determined to attack every ball, and more patience and focus could have seen them post a target of over 300.
South Africa got off to a bad start in their own innings, however, as they lost four wickets in 13 overs.
But it was Klaasen’s turn to shine. He first put 55 with David Miller (17), then added 103 for the sixth wicket with the versatile Marco Jansen, who scored a career-high 43 from 33 balls, before the latter became the third victim for the pick of the West Indies bowlers, Joseph (3-50).
Klaasen reached his second ODI century on 54 balls and led the sets to the finish as South Africa avenged their 48-run loss in the second ODI on Saturday. The first match was washed away by rain without a ball being played.
“They clearly outdid us today,” said West Indies captain Shai Hope. “I thought we hit well at times, but we weren’t good enough with the ball today.
“We have only ourselves to blame. You can’t concede 260 runs in 29 overs.”
With the first game being a draw and the West Indies winning the second game, victory in the ODI final allowed South Africa to share the honours.
South Africa won the toss and opted to go bowling, limiting the number of tourists to 260 in total.
The Proteas struggled early in their response as they slipped to 87-4, only to claim victory thanks to Klaasen’s power shot (119 from 61) with an astonishing 123 balls remaining in the innings.
“It’s a very good wicket and it’s one of my best shots,” Klaasen said during the post-match presentation. “We tried to play by the conditions, not the situation, and I had to fight fire with fire from the start against some excellent bouncers from Alzarri (Joseph).
“But the conditions dictate how aggressive you can be and it’s great to get the team over the line.”
The home side were without an in-form captain Temba Bavuma due to a hamstring injury, and they rested regulars Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
West Indies’ innings were boosted by a run-a-ball 72 from fly-half Brandon King, but Nicholas Pooran (39) and Jason Holder (36) were the only two others to post solid scores from an otherwise good wicket for the stick.
There were some wild shots from the visitors as they seemed determined to attack every ball, and more patience and focus could have seen them post a target of over 300.
South Africa got off to a bad start in their own innings, however, as they lost four wickets in 13 overs.
But it was Klaasen’s turn to shine. He first put 55 with David Miller (17), then added 103 for the sixth wicket with the versatile Marco Jansen, who scored a career-high 43 from 33 balls, before the latter became the third victim for the pick of the West Indies bowlers, Joseph (3-50).
Klaasen reached his second ODI century on 54 balls and led the sets to the finish as South Africa avenged their 48-run loss in the second ODI on Saturday. The first match was washed away by rain without a ball being played.
“They clearly outdid us today,” said West Indies captain Shai Hope. “I thought we hit well at times, but we weren’t good enough with the ball today.
“We have only ourselves to blame. You can’t concede 260 runs in 29 overs.”
The teams will begin a three-match Twenty20 International series in Pretoria on Saturday.
(With contributions from Reuters)
