Du Plessis hails Proteas' 'complete' performance against competitive Aussies

South African stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis has hailed his side's 'complete' performance during their comprehensive 142-run win over Australia in the second ODI of the five-match series at the Wanderers Stadium here last evening.

"I can't name one thing, it was a complete game. Once again we set it up beautifully with the bat and when you come off a high like Centurion it would have been easy to think we would rock up and do it again. We laid the foundation at the top, at times when it was tough to bat the guys hung in, everyone played a good role. Every batter that came in played well, JP (Duminy) came in and played a great innings with impetus, du Plessis was quoted as saying by Sport24.

After openers Riliee Rossouw (75) and Quinton de Kock (22) provided the home side with a solid start, du Plessis (111) and JP Duminy (82) went on to share a massive 150-run stand to propel South Africa post a daunting target of 362 runs against Australia.

Subsequently, the South African bowlers showcased disciplined and much-improved performance as they restricted the Steve Smith-led side to 219 within their stipulated 50 overs.

Wayne Parnell bagged three wickets while Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo shared four wickets between themselves. Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir and Duminy also chipped in with a wicket each.

"With the ball, we took the lessons and mistakes from the previous game, we were relentless in our areas and gave them nothing. It was a great disciplined performance and as good a performance you will see from us. To beat Australia, who are a fantastic one-day team, like that means that we have competed in every single aspect of the game," said du Plessis, whose sixth ODI hundred made him the first player to score century in all the formats of the game at a single venue.

Du Plessis, however, said he wants to score many more runs for his side in the remaining series against 'competitive team' Australia.

"Australia for me are the best team to play. I love playing against the Aussies, they are a competitive team. When you score hundreds against the best that is always the nicest innings," he added.

South Africa, who are leading the five-match series 2-0, will play their third ODI against Australia at Kingsmead on Wednesday.