3rd ODI: Bjorn Fortuin scripts records with four-fer versus Namibia
What's the story
South African captain Bjorn Fortuin led from the front to help his team dismiss Namibia for just 156 runs in the third and final ODI in Windhoek. The hosts won the toss and opted to bat first, but the early damage was done by South Africa's new-ball pair of Corbin Bosch (1/24) and Kwena Maphaka (2/18). Fortuin's left-arm spin did the talking in the middle overs as he finished with four wickets. Here we look at his spell and stats.
Match dynamics
Fortuin's spell turns the tide
Despite being reduced to 19/2, Namibia managed a brief recovery with opener Alexander Bussin-Volschenk (31) and Lourense Steenkamp (23) sharing a 53-run partnership for the third wicket.
However, Fortuin turned the tide in South Africa's favor by delivering a beautifully flighted delivery that clean-bowled Steenkamp.
The next ball saw Volschenk run out, leaving Namibia reeling at 73/4.
Bowling prowess
Fortuin continues to spin his magic
Fortuin capitalized on Namibia's fragile middle order, further dismissing the likes of Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus (3), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (4), and Waldo Smith (2).
Fellow spinner Nqaba Peter also impressed with his bowling, taking 2/39 before Maphaka wrapped up the innings.
Namibia were eventually bowled out for just 156 in 36.2 overs, handing South Africa a commanding position in the match.
Stats
Career-best figures for Fortuin
Fortuin bowled a stellar spell, claiming 4/33 in his quota of 10 overs.
As per Cricinfo, this was his maiden ODI four-fer, which took him to 22 wickets from 18 games at an economy of 4.84.
Overall, in List A cricket, the left-arm spinner now owns 145 wickets from 122 games with his economy being around 4.6.
This includes two four-fers and a five-wicket haul.
Elite list
Fortuin joins Botha on this list
Fortuin became just the second Proteas spinner to claim an ODI four-fer as a captain.
He has joined former off-spinner Johan Botha, who claimed 4/19 versus Kenya back in 2008.
Shaun Pollock (6 times) and Hansie Cronje (once) are the other South Africans to claim four or more wickets in an ODI while leading the team.