Bavuma and Miller centuries power South Africa to series-clinching win over Australia on Pink Day
Centuries amid pink shirts and a rugby distraction
South Africa made it six consecutive bilateral series wins over Australia with a 32-run victory in Johannesburg on a Sunday that was about more than cricket. Temba Bavuma and David Miller scored centuries as the hosts posted 366 and then defended it, with Australia all out for 203.
Pink Day honours survivors
Bavuma appeared for the toss in South Africa’s pinkest Pink Day kit yet, in magenta, fuchsia and fandango shades. Since 2013 South Africa have worn pink at least once a year to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.
CSA took the symbolism further on Sunday. Players did not wear their own names on the backs of their shirts but those of breast cancer survivors, who lined up alongside the players for photographs before the start.
Tazmin Brits’ mother, Zeldine Brits, had her fight saluted on Aiden Markram’s shirt. Zeldine has outed herself as a firm fan of David Miller. Miller’s own shirt honoured his mother, Jenny Miller.
“She’s been through a lot in the last couple of years,” Miller told the host broadcaster. “It’s a great initiative and really nice to have a personal touch on each shirt. And it’s nice to represent my mom.”
Rugby splits the audience
South Africa were 125 for 3 after 21 overs when the Wallabies and Springboks kicked off in Perth. Many South African viewers were forced to choose between the Boks and the Proteas.
Australia led 24-17 at halftime in Perth. Those who switched back to the cricket saw Bavuma unbeaten on 56 off 69 and Miller quietly on 17 off 15.
Bavuma and Miller set the platform
Bavuma, in his 55th ODI innings, was eight runs away from his sixth century when play resumed after the rugby interval. Miller was past 50.
South Africa were 200 for 3 in the 32nd over. Bavuma was 98 when the players returned and 99 when the match restarted. He latched onto a slower bouncer from Jack Edwards to take a single to midwicket, then skied Edwards to deep cover for 103 off 116.
The pair added 132 off 156. Miller was 92 when Bavuma departed. After Tristan Stubbs faced seven deliveries, Miller took his chance when Xavier Bartlett overcooked the eighth yorker, driving it down the ground for four.
Four balls later Stubbs was early trying to hook another Edwards slower delivery and blooped a catch to the wicketkeeper. Miller was 98. Marco Jansen nudged Hazlewood for a single off his hip and absorbed six balls before Miller, back on strike, lashed Bartlett through point for four.
Miller then muscled 39 off the last 20 balls he faced, living with cramp along the way, for a career-best 142 off 93. He was eventually caught off Edwards, who took his first five-wicket haul in his second ODI, with 21 balls remaining.
Australia collapse again
The target of 366 was bigger than any Australia had yet chased down. As at Kingsmead on Friday, the visitors were not about to die wondering, but they dwindled again.
Halfway through their innings at Kingsmead Australia were 51 runs ahead of where South Africa were at the same stage, yet lost for 140 by 67 runs. On Sunday the visitors were 50 runs and a wicket on top at halfway, but finished 203 all out, losing by 32 runs.
South Africa have now reeled off six consecutive bilateral series victories over Australia. The Wallabies’ 42-38 win in Perth gave little solace to the tourists.