Aussies Pip Proteas

After a nail biter last Friday, Australia and South Africa were involved in another riveting contest today in the second match of the 5 match one day international series at Bellerive Oval in Tasmania. But this time though, the results were different. After winning the toss, South African skipper Botha elected to field first. Australia lost the wonder boy David Warner early with just 17 on board. But opener Shaun marsh and skipper Ricky Ponting consolidated the innings. Both scored half centuries to lay down the foundation for a mammoth total. However when both Ponting and Marsh were dismissed, Australia lost steam and the rest of the batsmen could muster only 53 runs in the last 10 overs, which included 4 overs of batting power play. For the visitors Ntini grabbed 3 wickets while Steyn and Kallis captured 2 each.

In reply South Africa were off to a slow start with just 17 runs coming in the first 7 overs and they lost the wicket of Hasim Amla in the bargain. However, Kallis and A B de Villers joined forces in the 15th over and kept the score card ticking along with minimal risks. Kallis was dismissed in the 35th over, at the end of which the South Africans required 103 runs in the remaining 15 overs. Still very much gettable considering the fact that South Africa had 5 overs of batting power play in hand and still had big hitters like Albie Morkel waiting for their turn to bat. But tight bowling at the death by the Australian pacemen, especially Nathan Bracken, put the skids on the scoring rate and resulted in a flurry of wickets. In the end South Africa fell short by 5 runs.

Australian opener Shaun Marsh was declared the "Man Of The Match". The third one day international will be played on January 23rd at the SCG. It will be a day/night affair.