AUSTRALIA ramped up its preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup with a comfortable 103-run victory over South Africa yesterday.
Elyse Villani stole the headlines at Oakham School as she plundered 137 runs from 112 balls – finding the boundary rope no fewer than 20 times in a scintillating innings, with the reigning World Cup champions posting a score of 324 for five.

(Scores: Australia 324-5 in 50 overs (Elyse Villani 137, Ellyse Perry 67, Alex Blackwell 32 not out; Ayabonga Khaka 2-47, Marizanne Kapp 1-20, Masabata Klaas 1-50)
South Africa 221 all out in 49.3 overs (Trisha Chetty 62, Dane van Niekerk 54, Nadine de Klerk 32; Jess Jonassen 3-29, Belinda Vakarewa 2-34, Ashleigh Gardner 1-15)
She was ably supported by Ellyse Perry, who made 67 before being run-out by Nadine de Klerk, before veteran Alex Blackwell and Alyssa Healy also chipped in with quick-fire knocks of 32 and 25 respectively.

The Proteas’ run chase got off to the worst possible start when Lizelle Lee was run-out by Beth Mooney without even facing a ball. Her opening partner Andrie Steyn (12) followed shortly after as she was caught trapped in front by Jess Jonassen.
Trisha Chetty did offer some resistance with a measured 62, as did skipper Dane van Niekerk, who also notched up a half-century, but Australia turned the screws and bowled tightly for all 50 overs – with Jonassen the pick of the attack, taking three wickets.