South Africa's stunning victory (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)The cricket world is witnessing some thrilling ODI series, but the South Africa vs Australia battle has arguably delivered the most gripping action. On their own home soil, the Proteas have already clinched the series against the mighty Australia, who are still searching for their first win. As fans enjoy South Africa's dominance, both sides have delivered nail-biting clashes in the past. Among their unmissable encounters, South Africa’s famous 1-wicket victory while chasing a 435-run total remains a classic. Let’s revisit the game. Ponting’s Batting Brilliance Puts Australia In Total ControlWhenever Australia walk onto the field, their cricketing brilliance commands attention across the globe. But as results in sports are always uncertain, the mighty Australian side faced one of the biggest heartbreaks in 2006. In the fifth ODI of their five-match series against South Africa, Australia posted a staggering total but still ended up on the losing side.Batting first, Australia had a dreamy start as Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich put the opponent bowlers into hot water with their relentless hitting. The duo stitched a classic 97-run partnership before Roger Telemachus sent Gilchrist back for 55 runs. As the Protea bowlers desired to take control, Ricky Ponting walked out to make their job even harder. Taking the strike, the Aussie legend brought storm to the field. After completing a thrilling half-century in 43 balls, he smashed an outstanding hundred. With the Proteas bowlers desperate to break the partnership, Ricky Ponting raced to the 150-run mark in just 99 deliveries before powering Australia towards a mammoth total. After a game-changing 158-run stand with Michael Hussey, he walked away with 164 runs off 105 balls, and Australia put on a giant total of 434 runs on the board. Also Read: Rating 5 Best Innings By South African Batters In Pink ODIsSouth Africa Defy The Odds To Chase Down The UnthinkableAfter a heroic run fest in the first innings, the world imagined a massive heartbreak for South Africa, but the Protea brigade scripted a surreal victory. Chasing down the total, they faced an early setback as Boeta Dippenaar walked away with only one run. With that, when Australia eyed a dominating win, Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs’ exceptional partnership flipped the script. Tightening their grip, the duo faced Australia’s lethal bowling attack with brave hearts. After a stunning fifty, Smith faced a heartbreaking dismissal in 90. Amidst this agony, Gibbs stood tall and scored a stunning ton in just 79 balls. As the Australian bowlers desperately searched for his wicket, Gibbs continued his onslaught, racing to 150 runs in just 100 deliveries. In just 111 balls, Gibbs played an outstanding knock of 175 runs and gave a huge boost to South Africa’s total. With Mark Boucher’s unbeaten fifty providing the finishing touch, the Proteas reached the target with one ball to spare and scripted an unbelievable one-wicket victory.Australia Face Must-Win Battle As South Africa Eye The Perfect FinishThe world has always seen the sheer domination from the Australian side, but in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, their spark has been the biggest missing piece. After starting the series with a 67-run defeat, the visitors failed to bounce back in the second game as they suffered another heartbreaking loss. With two consecutive victories, the Proteas have already sealed the series, while the upcoming game offers Australia one final chance to avoid a clean sweep and end with at least one win. Meanwhile, South Africa will be determined to complete a commanding series sweep and cap off a memorable home campaign.Also Read: Shoaib Akhtar Set For Massive Role At PCB; Takes A U-Turn On His Earlier Stance
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