Holder hails match-winner Russell

AndreRussellcropped

West Indies captain Jason Holder hailed an "exceptional" innings from Andre Russell, which sealed a one-wicket victory over South Africa in a thrilling one-day international on Sunday.

The Windies looked set to go 4-0 down in the five-match series when they were reduced to 73-5 in reply to South Africa's 262-8 in Port Elizabeth.

Russell refused to thrown the towel in, though, as he made a quickfire 64 from only 40 balls to ensure the tourists got home with nine balls to spare at St George's Park.

The Jamaican all-rounder smashed five sixes - including one to win the game - and as many fours to end the Proteas' hopes of securing a series whitewash and give West Indies a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

Windies captain Holder, the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-53, praised Russell along with Marlon Samuels (68) and Darren Sammy (51) following his side's dramatic victory.

He said: "It means a lot. We've had a tough tour so to get across the line in this game is very special. It was well set up with Darren and Marlon and then Andre was exceptional.

"The bowlers did an outstanding job with wickets with the new ball and then pressure in the middle overs. I was nervous towards the end but I'm so pleased we got over the line, 262 I would have taken at the start and I am delighted we got home."

AB de Villiers revealed he will sit out the final game of the series at Centurion on Wednesday.

And the South Africa skipper was left to rue a bad day in the field for the Proteas, who were beaten despite David Miller (130) scoring his first ODI ton.

De Villiers said: "It was a good game of cricket. It really hurts to lose. I can't fault the fight we showed. We had some good moments and not so good moments. Andre played exceptionally well. We got tested and it's not nice to lose.

"[It was a] great knock by David Miller - great signs for the World Cup. But we bowled some bad balls at the wrong time.

"We played well most of the time but a dropped catch from me and some poor balls gave it away. [South Africa's tally of] 22 extras is not nice to know, it's free runs. Sometimes you can try too hard.

"We showed fighting spirit but a few bad moments gave it away. I'm going to be resting for the last game but the lads can take more confidence with a good showing in the last game."

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