Australia v South Africa 2008-09

At Perth, January 30, 2009 (day/night). South Africa won by 39 runs. Toss: South Africa. Oneday international debuts: W. D. Parnell, L. L. Tsotsobe.

South Africa deservedly pinched the ICC's world No. 1 ranking from Australia by taking the series 4-1 with another comprehensive victory, this time achieved despite handing out deserved end-of-tour rest to Steyn and the injured Kallis, while Ntini had returned home after his family was involved in a car accident. Batting first for the only time in the series, South Africa set about building the sort of total the Australians had never been able to manage. Amla was commanding until he touched Hopes behind, de Villiers hustled along, and Duminy demonstrated as much power as poise by coshing three sixes at the death. As tends to happen when lesser lights are given the chance in a winning team, Morne Morkel and the debutant Lonwabo Tsotsobe stepped gladly into the breach. Aided by Warner's unfortunate run-out while backing up, they all but ended the contest by reducing Australia to 53 for four. Too late to make any difference, the middle order recovered some of the ground, but were never realistically in touch. Tsotsobe, who had dismissed Marsh with his fifth delivery, later deceived Mike Hussey with his slower ball on his way to four wickets, and another debutant left-arm seamer, Wayne Parnell, also bowled accurately.

Man of the Match: H. M. Amla
Man of the Series: J. A. Morkel