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Australia dethroned Pakistan to take back the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings on Saturday, 9 September. Australia regained the top spot after a tremendous 123-run victory against South Africa in the 2nd ODI of the 5-match series.
Australia dominated South Africa in the second one-day international match in Bloemfontein on Saturday, securing a commanding victory by 123 runs. This triumph puts Australia ahead with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, as both teams gear up for the upcoming World Cup in India next month.
Australia’s formidable score of 392-8 was largely due to the exceptional performances of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne. Warner delivered a powerful performance, scoring 106 runs off just 93 balls, setting the pace for Australia’s innings. Labuschagne, who had initially been overlooked for the World Cup squad, proved his worth by scoring an impressive 124 runs off 99 balls. His performance followed his match-winning 80 not out in the series opener, earning him the man of the match title for the second time.
The Australian innings started strong with Warner and Travis Head, who scored a quick 64 off 36 balls before being caught by David Miller off Tabraiz Shamsi’s bowling. Despite losing their captain Mitchell Marsh to Shamsi’s next delivery, Australia maintained their momentum. Warner and Labuschagne’s partnership added 151 runs for the third wicket, with Warner achieving his 20th ODI century and Labuschagne his second, which included 19 fours and a six.
Josh Inglis also contributed a swift 50 off 37 balls, pushing Australia’s total close to the record target they set against South Africa in 2006. South Africa’s bowlers struggled throughout, unable to contain the Australian onslaught.
South Africa’s chase began promisingly with Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma putting up 81 for the first wicket. However, Adam Zampa’s effective wrist spin claimed key wickets, including Bavuma for 46 and Heinrich Klaasen for 49. When David Miller was dismissed lbw by Nathan Ellis for 49, South Africa’s chances of victory dwindled. They were eventually bowled out in the 42nd over for 269.
The teams will face off again in the third ODI in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.
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