South Africa took a commanding 4-0 lead in the One-Day International series with an easy six wicket-win in Port Elizabeth. Batting first, Australia were shot out for a paltry score of 167.
Playing their first games of the series, Kyle Abbott (4/40) and Tabraiz Shamsi (3/36) ran through the Australian batting order. The Aussies had a glimmer of hope with a couple of early strikes but a mature 69 from Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis took his side home in the 36th over.
Opting to bat first, the second-string South African bowling line-up landed some stinging blows at the start of the innings, reducing Australia to 12/3. Abbott lead the way for the hosts, removing openers David Warner and Aaron Finch. Shamsi exposed Australia's woes with spin, scalping skipper Steve Smith and Travis Head. Australia had lost half their side for 49 runs.
Mitchell Marsh (50) and Matthew Wade (52) built a face-saving 62-run stand to take Aussies past the 100-run mark.
Barring Chris Tremain, there wasn't much of a fight from the lower order either as Australia were shot out for 167. Defending a paltry score, Tremain gave Australia the start the needed, picking up the wickets of Hashim Amla and the in-form Quinton de Kock early in the innings.
Du Plessis took over proceedings from there, playing a risk-free yet stroke-filled half century. By the time the Du Plessis departed, South Africa only had 28 runs to knock off, which was seen through by Rilee Rossouw (33 not out), who is also having an excellent run in the series.
Brief Score:
Australia 167 in 36.4 Overs (Matthew Wade 52, Mitchell Marsh 50; Kyle Abbott 4/40, Tabraiz Shamsi 3/36) lost to South Africa 168/4 in 35.3 Overs (Faf du Plessis 69, Rilee Rossouw 33 not out; Chris Tremain 2/48) by 6 wickets.
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