AB de Villiers said he wants to seize the opportunity for the Proteas to become the No 1 ODI side in the world with a 5-0 whitewash.

The Proteas are on one of the greatest ODI runs in their history. The seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the pink ODI at the Wanderers on Saturday marked their ninth win on the trot, and a record-breaking 12th consecutive ODI victory at home.

The emphatic win also handed them the series with two matches to play, and if they can close out another whitewash, they will become the No 1 side in the world. New Zealand sealed the series win against Australia on Sunday morning, meaning the Aussies and the South Africans are both on 118 points.

‘We’re all a bit sick and tired of not taking our opportunities to win whitewash series when they do come around. Now we’re sitting here with another opportunity to do so,’ said De Villiers.

‘We’re trying to be clinical with every game we play and getting results every time – not just win series. I don’t want to make it our motto because it can backfire quickly.’

Speaking honestly and relaxed to the media after the match, the skipper, who struck 60 not out, admitted that he would have made a different decision at the toss if he could turn back the clocks.

‘I would have batted first if I could have it all over again, but I’m just happy we crossed the line,’ he said. ‘Unfortunately we couldn’t make it as entertaining as the last two pink games here. It was a great atmosphere; I had a very good feeling with the bat and the crowd lifted us all.’

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images