SA registers comprehensive win over Australia

South Africa put in a clinical performance as it registered a seven-wicket win over three-time defending champions Australia on Tuesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in its final warm-up game.

After opting to bat Australia posted 217 in 47.1 overs. In its reply, South Africa had it easy as it reached the target in 44.2 overs.

Earlier, Australia lost its openers cheaply, but the innings was revived by a 122 run stand between skipper Ricky Ponting (55: 84b, 7x4) and his deputy Michael Clarke (73: 96b, 6x4).

Thereafter there was another collapse as Robin Peterson (3-45) and Dale Steyn (3-21) shared the wickets around.

The chase was very easy for South Africa as skipper Graeme Smith (65: 81b, 10x4) and Hashim Amla (60: 76b, 7x4) shared a rollicking opening stand before both retired hurt.

Jean-Paul Duminy (47: 62b, 3x4, 1x6) remained unbeaten as he guided South Africa to an easy win.