Labuschagne’s heroics propel Australia to thrilling ODI win over SA

Emergency stand-in Marnus Labuschagne led Australia to a remarkable comeback victory against South Africa in a one-day international. Labuschagne entered the game as a replacement only after Cameron Green suffered a head injury when struck by a Marco Jansen bouncer at 140 kph, before Green could put any runs on the board. The concussion substitute entered the match when Australia was five wickets down, and Labuschagne witnessed two additional wickets falling as Australia’s innings tumbled to 113-7 by the 17th over. They were in pursuit of a target of 223 runs for victory on a pitch that exhibited uneven bounce against the fired-up South African fast bowlers.But Ashton Agar joined Labuschagne and they calmly picked off the runs in an unbeaten stand of 112 to lead Australia to a notable win by three wickets with nearly 10 overs to spare. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 80, while Agar secured an unblemished 48, displaying exceptional composure throughout. They refrained from attempting flashy shots and, with a required run rate of just 2, dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack by collecting singles and doubles. Remarkably, they went over 14 overs without hitting a boundary.