4 Mar 2017

South Africa win ODI series 3-2

9:01 pm on 4 March 2017

Faf du Plessis has guided South Africa to a series-clinching six-wicket victory in the fifth and final one-dayer against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Faf du Plessis.

Faf du Plessis. Photo: Photosport

Du Plessis finished unbeaten on 51 as the Proteas made 150-4 after they bowled the hosts out for a paltry 149 in 41.1 overs.

Look back at match commentary here.

David Miller produced a counter-attacking 45 not out to help the Test captain ensure a 3-2 series victory, which vaulted them back to the top of the one-day rankings.

New Zealand had threatened to make the run chase much more difficult than it should have been, reducing the visitors to 88-4 when they captured the important wicket of AB de Villiers, who was caught behind by Luke Ronchi for 23.

AB de Villiers celebrates the run out of Kane Williamson.

AB de Villiers celebrates the run out of Kane Williamson. Photo: Photosport

Du Plessis and Miller, however, shook off some nervous moments with a 62-run partnership that the left-handed Miller dominated with his 45.

New Zealand were never able to settle against a superb South African bowling attack, who created consistent pressure from both ends with numerous dot balls that was supported by strong work in the field.

Andile Phehlukwayo celebrates as he traps Ross Taylor LBW.

Andile Phehlukwayo celebrates as he traps Ross Taylor LBW. Photo: Photosport

Kagiso Rabada started the rot early when he bowled Martin Guptill for four, ensuring there would be no repeat of the right hander's match-winning 180 not out in the fourth game in Hamilton on Wednesday.

From then on it was a constant stream of New Zealand batsmen heading back to the pavilion, with six falling for single figures.

The only resistance came from opening batsman Dean Brownlie (24) and the middle order of Jimmy Neesham (24), Mitchell Santner (24) and Colin de Grandhomme (32), who was the last man out on the first ball of the 42nd over.

Colin de Grandhomme.

Colin de Grandhomme. Photo: Photosport

Rabada, who was generating good bounce off a length and troubled the batsmen as the ball hurried through, finished with 3-25 from 7.1 overs.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who conceded just 10 runs from his first seven overs, finished with 2-14 from his full complement.

The two sides now head to Dunedin for the first match of the three-Test series, starting on March 8.

AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis with the series trophy.

AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis with the series trophy. Photo: Photosport

- Reuters