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South Africa might have managed to keep their One Day International series against England alive in the fourth match at Johanesburg, but the fifth match at Newlands is promising to be the ultimate test, with the series locked at two all. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 7pm (AEDT).
South Africa have, for the first time in either Test matches or this One Day series against England, won two matches on the trot.
After dropping the first two games of this One Day International series, and staring down the barrel of a straight sets series loss, they have bounced back to win both the third and fourth matches, sending the series to the fifth match with it still alive.
England dominated those first two games, scoring almost 400 in the first before South Africa almost looked to be on target but were brought undone by rain and the Duckworth-Lewis system. The second saw England mount a successful run chase.
South Africa then fired back in the third game, chasing down 315 thanks to Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock centuries.
The fourth match meanwhile, saw England score 262, all out with a few overs to spare. Joe Root made 109, and Alex Hales 50, but it was never going to be enough. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 45, while Imran Tahir also took 3 for 46 from his 10 overs.
South Africa’s batsmen, barring Hashim Amla all then made starts, but a regular fall of wickets kept things interesting. Chris Morris produced the goods, scoring 62 before Kyle Abbott and Imran Tahir, combining for a 10th wicket partnership got South Africa over the line.
One of the key factors coming into this game is to consider that AB De Villiers has hardly made a score all series. We all know he is one of the most powerful batters in the world, and if he gets going could turn the match on it’s head in a matter of minutes.
Both top orders have been in solid form, and that will also go a long way to deciding this match. Joe Root, Alex Hales and Jason Roy have all scored runs for England, while Quinton De Kock in particular has been on fire for South Africa. This is all going to make new-ball bowling incredibly important as well.
Prediction
South Africa, for the first time during England’s tour carry the momentum into a match. With AB De Villiers due for a big score, and their bowlers firing, being able to effectively restrict England’s big hitters last time out, they should get the job done.
South Africa in a close one.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this match from 7pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the match unfolds.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde