The pendulum could have swung either ways, but limited-overs specialist Cameron White ensured that Australia clinch the victory through finest of margins in the third T20 international against South Africa at Stadium Australia on Sunday.
Australia registered a two-wicket win the series decider with one ball to spare through cool-headed White, who finished on an unbeaten 31-ball 41. The hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1 by winning back-to-back matches, after going down in the opening match.
Proteas, despite putting an under-par 145 runs on the board, took the contest to the very last and make it a thrilling affair. If the touring party could have managed to put few more runs on the board the series outcome might have been different.
The Australian bowlers did a commendable job of pulling things back when the touring party was running away with the proceedings, after the 75 runs opening stand between Quinton de Kock (48) and Reeza Hendricks (49).
But as Hendricks and de Kock fell in a space of few runs, Australians tightened the screws and never allowed the Proteas batsmen to play with freedom. James Faulkner was the wrecker-in-chief with three wickets, while Pat Cummins, Doug Bollinger and Cameron Boyce picked one wicket each.
“Got a little bit twitchy there,” White said. “It was set up by the bowlers, chasing 140 should be pretty comfortable most times, we got there in the end. I thought we bowled really well at the back end, used the conditions well and pressured them after a good start.”
Chasing a paltry total, Australia were off to a perfect start through Aaron Finch and Ben Dunk but Proteas managed to take quick wickets to put the hosts on the backfoot. The Australian team failed to make any partnerships and kept losing wickets on regular intervals.
White, meanwhile, held one end firmly and batted through with the lower-order to drive his team to the series victory.
“To say the least, it was very tense,” Faulkner said “I’ve been in that position before, stuffed it up – it was nerve-wracking, Cam played really well. He’s pure class and good to see him perform.”
“[Boyce, Cummins progress] I’ve been impressed with him showcasing his skills in T20 and it’s exciting to see a legspinner doing well,” he added. “Pat Cummins as well, bowling fast and taking wickets. We’re ready for the summer, hopefully go well over the next few months, both personally and the team.”
