Nottingham: Hashim Amla piled on the runs once again as he led South Africa to a series-levelling seven-wicket win in the fifth and final ODI against England at Trent Bridge.
South Africa, chasing a modest 183 for victory, collapsed to 14 for three inside five overs under the floodlights, but opener Amla responded with a superb 97 not out and, together with Proteas captain AB de Villiers (75 not out) he shared an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 172 that put England’s meagre total of 182 in its proper context.
Victory, with more than 15 overs to spare, saw the Proteas share the series 2-2.
Amla, who made 335 runs in four innings, was named Man-of-the-Series.
“It’s been a good summer and I’m glad we got to level the series,” said Amla. “I think the way we bowled set the tone, then me and AB were able to finish it off.”
One consolation for England is that, despite this defeat, they remained top of the 50-over rankings.
“It’s been a disappointing day – 180 on that wicket was nowhere near enough said England captain Alastair Cook. (AFP)
