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On the back of fabulous individual performances from captain Jos Buttler, opening batter Dawid Malan and spearhead Jofra Archer, reigning world champions England clinched the third and final ODI against South Africa by 59 runs in Kimberley. As a result, the Three Lions avoided a whitewash and salvaged pride after losing the opening two games of the series.
Buttler and Malan scored attractive centuries while Archer registered his career-best figures in ODIs. While the English troika hogged the limelight for their stupendous display, all-rounder Moeen Ali also caught the attention of onlookers after he attempted a bizarre shot during the game.
The left-handed batter tried a one-handed reverse swat against Tabraiz Shamsi in the 44th over of England's innings. The southpaw failed to execute the circus shot but the attempt got netizens talking on social media.
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Coming back to the match, Buttler and Malan led the tourists' recovery after a poor start, with England setting a target of 347.
It appeared South Africa would once again respond – having produced a record chase in Bloemfontein – as Heinrich Klaasen hitting 80 from 62 balls.
However, Archer brought an end to his charge on his way to a maiden six-for in ODIs.
A woeful start for England saw Jason Roy (1), Ben Duckett (0) and Harry Brook (6) all dismissed by Lungi Ngidi inside the first six overs, leaving them 14-3.
The tourists recovered though, with Buttler (131) and Malan (118) sharing a stand of 232 for the fourth wicket.
Wicketkeeper Klaasen caught Malan after a stray shot straight up in the air but Moeen Ali (41) helped steer England past the 300 mark, before he and Buttler fell in quick succession.
South Africa's chase began well enough with an opening partnership of 49, but dangerous duo Temba Bavuma (35) and Rassie van der Dussen (5) were removed by Chris Woakes and Archer.
Beuran Hendricks (52) pushed the hosts into three figures before he was bowled by Adil Rashid, while Aiden Markram hit 39 from 35 balls to strengthen the hosts' response, but a looped hit was caught comfortably by Moeen off Archer's delivery, who also claimed David Miller for 13.
Klaasen hit seven fours and two sixes as he and Wayne Parnell kept South Africa in the hunt, combining for 85 before Archer and Ducket combined to dismiss Klaasen.
Rashid forced Sisanda Magala (2) to edge through the Buttler before Archer dismissed Parnell (34) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1) to take the next step on his comeback from injury and hand England victory.
