The first ODI between Australia and South Africa was a belter in Melbourne after Australia set a challenging 272 runs target for the Proteas, who initially struggled for form on a flat track of MCG.
South Africa started it’s pursue in a poor way as the pace of Shaun Tait was too hot for tourists to handle. Hashim Amla couldn’t get his bat out of the way of a Tait delivery and his willow work was shattered, Proteas reduced to 1 for 4.
But find of the summer JP Duminy, out-of- form Neil McKenzie and Albie Morkel brilliant 18 ball 40 gave South Africa its sixth win from six ODI at MCG.
Quick wickets of Duminy and McKenzie put Proteas in a difficult situation as they required 50 runs from six overs, but Morkel and Johan Botha used the last power play to the best use as they hammered 18 runs off the 48th over and managed a remarkable victory with three balls to spare.
With half centuries to international freshmen Shaun Marsh and David Hussey, Australia capitalized on some shabby fielding by South Africa on Friday, after winning the toss and reached 271-8 under perfect batting conditions.
Shaun Marsh’s 79 was the highlight of the Australian innings, before Hussey pumped the innings with his 52.
His good batting performance was well supported by sloppy fielding of Proteas, known for their high standards in this department of game.
Debutant Vaughn van Jaarsveld drooped captain Ricky Ponting and Hussey, while Marsh was gifted a lifeline by Neil McKenzie late in his innings.
Marsh’s thoughtful knock was early overshadowed by Ricky Ponting who shared a 94-run stand with the opener, but his innings was also not without good fortune. Ponting survived a close run-out chance even before he opened his innings and had another life on 33, thanks to Jaarsveld.
After being dropped on 10, Hussey made full of use of the second life in front of the adopted home crowd and scored a well made 52.
But it was the 123-run stand of 135 balls between South African ace Duminy and Mckenzie that returned visitors into the hunt before Duminy was dismissed for 71 which triggered another mini collapse as South Africa lost four quick wickets, putting tourists at a jittering 7-221; Botha and Morkel changed the tide again as they crashed Aussie attack in the last powerplay guiding Proteas to memorable win at the game’s most loved places.
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