SOUTH Africa failed miserably in their attempt to chase down a tough-looking Duckworth/Lewis target of 223 at Centurion as Australia won the first of a three-match series by 93 runs. Batting second in a match ruined by the weather – play was held-up for four and a half hours as violent storms engulfed the stadium – the hosts slumped to 129 all out in response to Australia’s competitive 183 for four from a revised 29 overs.
Former captain Ricky Ponting starred with the bat for Australia, top-scoring with a fluent 63, while there were important contributions with the ball from debutants Pat Cummins (three for 28) and Mitch Marsh (one for 19.
South Africa’s response looked doomed from almost the moment it began, with captain Graeme Smith returning to the shed after just five balls for four.
Cummins then got his first ODI wicket with just his ninth ball, tempting Jacques Kallis forward and inducing an edge for 15, before having JP Duminy snared by captain Michael Clarke at second slip two balls later.
Marsh quickly removed Hashim Amla, who had moved on to 24, although his maiden ODI scalp owed a lot to Brad Haddin’s superb one-handed catch, before a moment of slight controversy at the end of the 13th over.
Xavier Doherty’s ball drew a drive out of David Miller and Clarke claimed a catch at point, but the third umpire was called over uncertainty over a bump ball.
Miller was duly given out for 11, and Doherty had two not long after when he trapped Mark Boucher in front for one – the decision given after Clarke reviewed the original call.
Mitchell Johnson then removed Faf du Plessis for 27 before Dale Steyn (five) and Johan Botha (25) both departed to Johnson and Cummins as they chased quick runs and, when Marsh caught Lonwabo Tsotsobe to give Johnson figures of three for 20, the game was up.
Earlier, Ponting top scored with his 77-ball knock, with able support coming from the normally conservative Mike Hussey (30 from 21). (PA Sport).