England vs South Africa ODI Series 2008: England Sealed the Series with Three Straight Victories
The five-match series has already been decided with England winning all three matches of the series so far. After losing the test series, the home side was gearing up to clinch the ODI series against visiting South Africa. Most importantly, the ease at which England picked up the last two victories is something rare against South Africa. Except the first match which England won by 20 run, victories in second and third match came pretty comfortably for host England. No doubt, Kevin Pietersen got a good start as England captain.
Following the 10-wicket victory in the second ODI at Trent Bridge, England went into the third match, knowing a victory would let them clinch the series, while South Africa was put in a position where they required victories in all three remaining matches. However, England rallied to claim 126-run victory in the third match at Kennington Oval with two matches at hand.
Thanks to excellent batting by opener Ian Bell and Andrew Flintoff, who scored 73 and 78 not out respectively, England piled on 296 for 7 after 50 overs. Chasing a target of 297, South Africa was under pressure all through their innings with wickets falling pretty regularly and run rate mounting on. Except opener Hashim Amla, no other Protease batsman could make any significant contribution as South Africa got all out for 170 with 44 balls remaining in the innings.
England’s dominance in ODI series so far has come as a surprise to many, considering the recent form of South Africa in evidence. The question is that what Kevin Pietersen brought in England squad? Whatever it is, the main thing is that England team looks really very strong and solid in terms of their performance in the field. Before the commence of the ODI series, there was hardly anyone who could even think of a 5-0 sweep for England in the series, but now England needs just two more wins to white wash the South African side.
For South Africa, they had a big chance to make it a successful England tour after winning the test series, but they threw it away, and at this moment 3-2 could be most possible score line South Africa might strive for. Let us see if South African get their rhythm back and avoid a seemingly 5-0 humiliation in the series.
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