The Final ODI in the Natwest series between England and South Africa was played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on 3rd September. England had already won the series dominating South Africa with a 4 - 0 lead. It was the rainy season in England and rain stopped play. England won the toss and invited South Africa to bat first. The cricket score was 6 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Gibbs was dismissed for 3 runs by Broad, caught by the wicket keeper Prior.

Rain came pouring down when the cricket score was 6 runs at the end of the 3rd over. Then the match was called off and a no result was declared as rain didn’t stop. England won the Natwest series 4-0 and Flintoff was declared the man of the series. There were a lot of positives for England at the end of the series.

First, Flintoff is back in form and is excelling in both bowling and batting departments. England returned to their winning ways after their losing streak inspired by the new captain Kevin pietersen. England finally had found a winning combination. The bowling department of England looks strong with a spin attack from Patel, who claimed a five wicket haul in this series.

Broad has emerged as a fast bowler for England taking wickets regularly. In the last ODI, Broad bowled a maiden over and took the wicket of Gibbs in the 3 over innings. Rain interrupted play but it was an embarrassing and humiliating tour for South Africa. They were bundled out for a mere 83 runs in the second ODI of the Natwest series. South Africa encountered consecutive losses four times in a row in the Natwest series.

South Africa would be demolished to the core at the end of the series and would be a bit happy if they were able to pull a victory in the last match but unfortunately rain played spoil sport and the match ended in a no result. A victory to South Africa in the last ODI would have boosted their morale and would have left England in a positive note.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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