South Africa vs Australia 438 match 2006
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South Africa vs Australia 438 match: South Africa did the unthinkable 18 years ago after chasing the target of 435 runs against the world’s most dangerous sides in an ODI game.
Batting first, Australia put themselves in a commanding position after openers added 97 for the first wicket. While Ricky Ponting, who joined Simon Katich after the first wicket, added 119 for the second before Katich walked back for 79 (90).
With 216-2 after 30.3 overs, everyone was wondering if Australia can touch the 350-360 mark. But Ponting and Michael Hussey had other plans, both added 159 for the third wicket in 194 balls to take Australia to 374 after 46.1 overs.
Hussey scored 81 off 51, while Ponting got dismissed at 164 off 105 balls. Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee did the remaining work then and Australia at last finished their innings at 434 in 50 overs.
The chase looked almost impossible, but the splendid knocks from skipper Graeme Smith 90 off 55 and Herschelle Gibbs 175 off 111 gave Proteas some hope.
Gibbs left the crease when South Africa still required 136 off 108 with 6 wickets in hand.
Mark Boucher (50* off 43) remained steady at one end, and some little contributions from the other end helped South Africa to script history with a record chase. The win also handed them the series trophy.
