Castle Lager Proteas secured a morale-boosting series win after a polished performance with both bat and ball that saw them defeat the West Indies by nine wickets in the third Momentum ODI at Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday January 21.
The visitors chose to bat after winning the toss, but never dealt with the feared Proteas attack, losing wickets regularly to stumble to 122 all out. The total could have been under 100, but a last wicket stand of 26 between skipper Jason Holder and Suleiman Benn spared that embarrassment.
Leg-spinner, Imran Tahir again showed why he is such a factor with the ball in ODI’s, claiming career best figures of 4/28 as the Windies managed to bat just 33/4 of their allotted 50 overs.
Tahir was ably assisted by Vernon Philander, who grabbed three which included both openers, reducing the visitors to 52/5 at one stage.
The Proteas reply was near flawless, with only Rilee Rossouw losing his wicket for seven.
Test Captain Hashim Amla and T20 Captain Faf du Plessis then combined for an unbeaten 97-run second wicket stand, which saw the Proteas home to claim an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
Philander was named Momentum Man of the Match.
The fourth Momentum ODI will be played in Port Elizabeth on Sunday January 25. Tickets are still available via www.ticketpro.co.za, Postnet Outlets or at the stadium ticket office.