27 January,2009 09:08 AM IST | | MiD DAY Correspondent
South Africa beat Australia by eight wickets in the fourth one-dayer to clinch the one-day series to prove that their Test series triumph over the world champions was no flash in the pan.
Thus, the fifth and final one-dayer in Perth on Friday is reduced to an inconsequential tie.
Batting first at the Adelaide Oval, a pitch well known for its kindness to the batters, the hosts were reduced to a mere 222 in their 50 allotted overs by some sharp bowling from the South Africans led by Johan Botha.
Botha's opposite number Ricky Ponting was the top scorer with 63 off 70 balls but he enjoyed a big slice of luck when he edged one from Albie Morkel only to be given not out when on 38.
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At one stage Australia were 2 for 110 - in the 20th over but the South African bowlers had the last laugh in the Australian innings. The Proteas were well served by Makhaya Ntini. Ntini (3 for 52) and Dale Steyn (3 for 49).
A target of 223 did not appear a lofty task but it required some brilliance which came in the form ofu00a0 Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, who remained unbeaten on 80 and 82 respectively. The win was achieved with 71 balls to spare. De Villiers had to don the wicketkeeping gloves in the wake of an injury to regular stumper and senior pro Mark Boucher.
South Africa lead the five-match series 3-1.
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