Amla propels South Africa to thrilling victory

ROSEAU, DOMINICA: Hashim Amla continued with his excellent form to hitting his third One Day International (ODI) hundred and helping South Africa win their fourth match against West Indies by seven wickets. The victory stretches South Africa’s lead to 4-0 with just one match to go.

Amla hit 129 from 115 balls, as the South Africans, chasing 304 for victory, reached the target from the last ball in a thrilling finish at the Windsor Park.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith was a visibly pleased man and said, “It was a great effort from us to chase over 300 runs, and we have to look at the positives from this performance. Amla’s knock was an incredible innings and the rest of the guys batted around him very well. We would have loved to have finished the game more comfortably in the last over and maybe we got a bit conservative there in the end,” added Smith.

In a dramatic finish, the South Africans needed one run from the last delivery, following a sensational final over from Dwayne Bravo in which he bowled three dot-balls.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle was obviously, very disappointed by the result.

“Credit must go to Bravo for the way he bowled the final over. But to get 300 runs, and lose was not good.

“We also missed a few catches, and this is the inconsistency. At times, we do well with the bat, and then turn up and do something completely different with the ball,” said Gayle.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 1st, 2010.