South Africa v England

At Durban, February 11, 2005 (day/night). No result (D/L method). Toss: South Africa.

South Africa were guaranteed victory in the series when heavy showers prevented England from chasing an adjusted target of 213 from 48 overs. But judging by the way Pollock and Ntini generated bounce and movement from a pitch freshened by drizzle they were facing a tall order in any case. Only Gibbs among the South Africans had appeared fully at ease - and there were four ducks in the innings. But Gibbs was able to share three successive half-century stands, and South Africa, having worked out that a score of around 225 would probably be enough, paced the innings accordingly. Thus, in one dull but tactically valid passage, the total moved from 78 to 127 entirely in singles. Gough caused problems with new ball and old, and Wharf marked his return with wickets from the first two balls of his second over. Again, though, South Africa found gaps a little too easily. Gibbs completed his second hundred in three innings just before the first break for rain.