South Africa Complete Clean Sweep In Auckland

South Africa Complete Clean Sweep In Auckland

Colin de Grandhomme is run out during New Zealand's five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the third ODI in Auckland

©REUTERS / Action Images

South Africa 208-5 (Amla 76) beat
New Zealand 206 (de Lange 4-46) by 5 wickets
Third One-Day International, Auckland
Scorecard

South Africa swept to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third and final One-Day International in Auckland to wrap up a 3-0 series clean sweep.

In a low-scoring game, Marchant de Lange returned four for 46 as New Zealand were bowled out for 206 before Hashim Amla made 76 to help South Africa reach their target in the 44th over.

After New Zealand openers Martin Guptill (7) and Rob Nicol (12) fell cheaply, contributions of 47 from Brendon McCullum and 36 apiece from James Franklin and Colin de Grandhomme helped the home side recover but they struggled to build partnerships.

The impressive de Lange dismissed Brendon McCullum, Franklin, Nathan McCullum (10) and Andrew Ellis (2) while spinner Robin Peterson finished with two for 36.

Johan Botha struck early to remove Nicol and Lonwabo Tsotsobe dismissed Guptill.

In reply, the opening partnership of Amla and Wayne Parnell (27) set South Africa on course with an assured stand of 80 before Parnell was bowled by Ellis.

Amla was next go after he had made 76 in 89 balls when he was caught by Brendon McCullum off Kyle Mills. With the series in the bag, South Africa moved Albie Morkel (41) and Francois du Plessis (19) up the order and the pair scored quickly to maintain the away side's advantage.

Nicol removed both du Plessis and JP Duminy (25) before it was left to captain AB de Villiers to close out the match and he did so in fine style when he hit Nicol for a handsome six over long-on.

South Africa won both of the opening two matches by six wickets.

The first of three Tests between the two sides begins on Wednesday 7th March.

© Cricket World 2012