Centurion: South African wicket-keeper/batsman Quinton De Kock and opener Hashim Amla have guided their side to a record chase by making a 239-run opening stand in the third ODI here at SuperSport Park on Tuesday.
Chasing a 319-run target, the Proteas’ openers Amla and De Kock gave dazzling start as they added 239 runs for the first wicket in just 36 overs before Adil Rashid sent back the left-hander.
De Kock scored a splendid knock of 135 off just 117 deliveries, including 16 boundaries and four maximums while Amla scored a glorious 127-run knock.
They were chasing history as 300-plus target had never been chased at the ground. FaF Du Plessis’ short cameo helped the side to complete the chase and he also scored the winning run to take this match into history books.
Previously, England had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Opener Alex Hales along with in-form Joe Root showed their brilliance and added 125 runs for the second wicket. Hales scored a superb 65 runs before being dismissed in the 27th over.
Elsewhere, Root continued to play shots and completed his century. He played a wonderful 125-run knock off just 113 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and five maximums.
However, in the other end, wickets were falling in regular intervals. But all-rounder Ben Stokes played an unleashing 37-ball-53 run knock to take the score past 300.
De Kock was judged the Player of the Match for his splendid knock.
Despite a loss, England are still leading this 5-match ODI series 2-1.
