Rusty Theron took five wickets and Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers hit centuries as South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the second one-day international at Senwes Park on Sunday. Theron took five for 44 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 268.
Amla hit 110 and De Villiers 101 not out to propel South Africa to a series-clinching win with 11 overs to spare.
With two runs needed to win, De Villiers, on 95 hit Brendan Taylor for six to raise his century.
Tatenda Taibu made a polished 78 for Zimbabwe but none of his teammates was able to capitalise on the start. Theron, 25, used clever variations of pace and length as he claimed five for 44.
Theron had originally been picked only to play in two Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe but was added to the one-day squad following a succession of injuries to other bowlers. Amla hit his fifth ODI century and his fourth in his last seven innings.
Amla took 103 balls and hit ten fours in his innings .
Zimbabwe openers Brendan Taylor and Chamu Chibhabha put on 59 for the first wicket before Theron took two wickets in his first over and Wayne Parnell took another in the next over as the visitors slipped to 60 for three.
{{/usCountry}}Zimbabwe openers Brendan Taylor and Chamu Chibhabha put on 59 for the first wicket before Theron took two wickets in his first over and Wayne Parnell took another in the next over as the visitors slipped to 60 for three.
{{/usCountry}}The third and final match of the series is in Benoni on Friday.
Brief scores:
South Africa 273-2 (H.Amla 110, AB de Villiers 101*) def. Zimbabwe 268 (T,Taibu 78, B.Taylor 32; J.Theron 5-44) by eight wickets.