CRICKET:South Africa twice came back from forlorn positions to defeat a new-look Australia by three wickets in a thrilling opening one-day international in Melbourne.
Led by Albie Morkel, who made a match-winning 40 off only 18 balls, the Proteas capitalised on a well-chosen batting powerplay to plunder 18 runs off the 48th over, bowled by Ben Hilfenhaus, to steal a remarkable victory with three balls to spare.
Morkel delivered the final twist in a thrilling match which Australia had for the large part appeared destined to win.
The Proteas needed 50 off the final five overs but, aided by the powerplay, Morkel and Johan Botha, who represented Ireland as an overseas player, carved a match-winning 51-run stand off only 35 balls.
After reaching an imposing 271 for eight, built largely on half-centuries from Shaun Marsh and David Hussey, the Proteas lost early wickets and were in big trouble when Jacques Kallis departed with the score on 90 for three in the 19th over.
But a 123-run stand between the irrepressible Jean-Paul Duminy and the hitherto out-of-form Neil McKenzie returned the momentum to the Proteas before Duminy’s dismissal for 71 triggered another swing.
The Proteas lost four wickets for eight runs in less than three overs to slump to 221 for seven before Morkel and Botha put the Australians to the sword.