AB De Villiers: We showed what we are capable of

  South Africa skipper AB de Villiers says his team is on the right track with the ICC Cricket World Cup fast approaching, and explains why he went on the attack with Faf du Plessis at the other end in the 90s.  The last time South Africa won a multi-nation event was back in 2002,...

South Africa skipper AB de Villiers says his team is on the right track with the ICC Cricket World Cup fast approaching, and explains why he went on the attack with Faf du Plessis at the other end in the 90s.  The last time South Africa won a multi-nation event was back in 2002, when they clinched the keenly fought tri-series Down Under against the hosts and a resurgent New Zealand side.

Though South Africa’s record in knock-out games in world events is infamous, getting them the unwanted tag of “chokers” — their struggle in crunch games spilled into tri-nation finals as well. Since that victory in 2002, they have lost seven knock-out or tournament finals, with two games being abandoned. That streak has finally come to an end with their comprehensive six-wicket victory against Australia in the triangular series in Zimbabwe.

Brief scores:

Australia 217 for 9 in 50 overs (Aaron Finch 54, James Faulkner 40; Dale Steyn 4 for 35, Wayne Parnell 2 for 40, Morne Morkel 2 for 58) lost to South Africa 217 for 4 (Hashim Amla 51, Faf du Plessis 96, AB de Villiers 57*; Steve Smith 1 for 9, Glenn Maxwell 1 for 12, James Faulkner 1 for 54, Mitchell Johnson 1 for 52) by six wickets.

Live scorecard

Man of the match: Dale Steyn

Batsman of the series: Faf du Plessis

Bowler of the series: Dale Steyn

Man of the series: Faf du Plessis

Catch all the coverage of the Zimbabwe Tri-Series 2014 here

About the Author