South Africa vs Australia: Markram, Jansen lead the way as Proteas clinch ODI series decider by 122 runs

Johannesburg: South Africa secured their third straight victory over Australia on Sunday to win the ODI series 3-2 and enjoy an edge over its rival ahead of the Cricket World Cup next month. Put into bat, South Africa scored 315-9 and dismissed Australia for 193 in 34.1 overs with all-rounder Marco Jansen taking 5-39 to win by 122 runs. Opener Quinton de Kock made 27 in his last ODI at home. He’s retiring from the format after the World Cup. Aiden Markram top scored for South Africa with 93 runs off 87 balls, and David Miller hit a near run-a-ball 63. The hosts’ competitive total got a big boost by rapid knocks from No. 7 Jansen (47 in 23) and No. 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, who averaged two runs a ball in his unbeaten 38. Despite being on the losing side, Australia spinner Adam Zampa (3-71) will have enjoyed this game more than the fourth ODI when he returned record-equaling figures of 0-113. South Africa won that match by 164 runs to level the series at 2-2 with Heinrich Klaasen smashing 174 in 83 balls. On Sunday Klaasen was bowled by Zampa for just 6. Australia captain Mitch Marsh hit 71 with six fours and six sixes, and Marnus Labuschagne struck a slower 44, in reply but the innings was undone by left-armer Jansen who claimed the top five batters for his first ODI five-for. Australia had threatened to sweep the ODI series — just as it had done for the three-match T20 contest — after wins in the opener and second ODI. But South Africa began its revival with a 111-run win in the third ODI. South Africa will open their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on 7 October. Australia face hosts India the following day.