Proteas still seek ODI success recipe

The only noteworthy performance for SA in the final ODI against NZ was that of Quinton de Kock, who regained some form with an unbeaten 80 from 94 balls.

The only noteworthy performance for SA in the final ODI against NZ was that of Quinton de Kock, who regained some form with an unbeaten 80 from 94 balls.

Published Nov 2, 2014

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Johannesburg – Following the 2-0 ODI series win over New Zealand this week, the Proteas would be forgiven for wondering just what they got out of the clash with the Kiwis.

The Proteas ran out convincing winners, beating New Zealand by six wickets in the first One Day International and by 72 runs in the second at Mount Maunganui.

The third match, at the more familiar Seddon Park, in Hamilton – where the Proteas would play their opening Cricket World Cup game against Zimbabwe – was washed out after South Africa had faced 30.4 overs batting first.

The only noteworthy performance for South Africa in the final ODI was that of Quinton de Kock, who regained some form with an unbeaten 80 from 94 balls. Coming into the match, De Kock had gone five games for his country without passing 26.

Captain AB de Villiers was the standout performer for the Proteas in the first ODI with an 85-ball knock of 89, as he helped South Africa chase a moderate 231 for victory.

In the second ODI, Hashim Amla scored a 16th century in the format with 119 which laid the platform for a series-clinching 72-run win.

David Miller, in serious need of time in the middle, could only manage 17 and 7 after he missed out on the first ODI with flu.

Earmarked for the number-six spot in the Proteas batting line-up, Miller has struggled for the Proteas this year having last made a half-century in Centurion last year.

In 2014, Miller has scored 139 runs from 146 balls and still needs to find form.

Rilee Rossouw, meanwhile, had a series to forget scoring two ducks (a first-baller in the second game) after making 26 in the first ODI.

It was also clear the Proteas selectors were still experimenting where to bat the 26-year-old.

Rossouw came in at number four in the first ODI, seven in the second and occupied the number-three spot in the final game.

Now South Africa prepare to face Australia in three T20 Internationals starting at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, before taking on the hosts in five ODIs ending on November 23.

After the New Zealand series, De Villiers, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander remained in Australia, while Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla returned to South Africa.

These players will join up with the ODI squad ahead of the ODI series against Australia starting on November 14.

With the Proteas led by JP Duminy for the first time in the T20 series, Rossouw and Miller may get their chance to find some form for South Africa albeit in the shortest format of the game. – Sapa

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