With the cup that counts (at least, for now)
Comprehensively done and dusted
Quite a mismatch, this one. South Africa complete a six-wicket victory with 12 overs to spare. Some consolation for Australia on a forgettable day was the performance of Marcus Stoinis. He chipped in with three wickets off to take some shine off South Africa's win.
But make no mistake. This was a rout. Thankfully for them, they will not have much time to dwell on it. They'll go into that second game in Adelaide in quick time. Might not be the worst thing. They'll have to fix that batting.
We'll be up nice and early for that game. Until then, goodbye! Godspeed!
No 50 for Hendricks
A wicket for Stoinis. Henricks chips one to mid-on. Could have had a 50 himself. BUt he's done his job. This one's almost over.
De Kock misses half-century
Seemed in a hurry, did QdK. Looks to hit Coulter-Nile through the line and over the mid-off fielder. The ball, a slower one, hits him high on the bat and Hazlewood runs across to complete a simple catch.
Body blows for Hendricks
Every once in a while, the pitch shows up its devilish characteristics. Length balls rise awkwardly and poor Hendricks is copping painful blows. Cummins with a sharp off-cutter has pinged him on the box. Another has just shot up to hit him on the chest, needing a trip from the physio. But the partnership continues to flourish. This is a no-contest, really.
Way too many boundary balls
Honestly, the ball is not zipping off the surface now as it did in the first innings, but then again Australia are not helping themselves with their overly full lengths. The driving from Quinton de Kock and Reeza Henrdicks has been top draw. Less than a 100 required. All the time in the world and 10 wickets left.
Meanwhile, more banter from England...
South Africa off to a flyer
After a decent first over, Australia have let South Africa run away to a rampant start. Quinton de Kock has already four fours to his name in 9 balls as the visitors reach 25 in 2.2 overs. At the Lunch break, the SA openers got to 28/0.
Format:
Coulter-Nile cameo helps Australia cross 150
Small joys for Australia on a forgettable afternoon. They will have to come out before dinner break and begin a defence of 152. They have Coulter-Nile to thank for even getting to that mark. The No.9 bat clubbed five fours and a six in his 31-ball knock of 34. Another attempt to clear the ropes eventually led to a top-edge settling in Klaasen's palms.
