ICC World Cup 2019 match 45 played at Old Trafford, Manchester on 6 July

South Africa Vs Australia 

Brief Scorecard: South Africa 325/6 (Faf du Plessis 100, HE van der Dussen 95, AK Markram 34, Nm Lyon 2/53, M Starc 2/59) beat Australia 315 all out (DA Warner 124, AT Carey 85, K Rabada 3/56, Al Phehlukyao 2/22, D Pretorious 2/27) by 10 runs.

Player of the match: Faf du Plessis

DHAKA: South Africa playing to their true potential just managed to score a creditable win against reigning champion Australia in a high scoring exciting match by 10 runs. Batting first they posted an impressive 325/6 riding on an excellent century by captain du Plessis (100) and brilliant innings from young van der Dussen (95). Australia chased hot with flamboyant Warner (124) producing another innings of power. Rapidly improving wicket keeper Carey contributed 85. But other big guns Flinch, Smith and Maxwell failing South Africa won by 10 runs. 

In the swan song of two great Protean JP Duminy and Imran Tahir it was a fitting farewell gift. It was great seeing South Africa sign off in bright note. This win by SA and victory of India over Sri Lanka has reshaped the order in the top of the table. Australia finished second with 14 points from 9 matches. India is on the top of the table with 15 from 9. India now plays New Zealand in one semi final while old foes Australia and England would lock horns again in the other. This South African win pushes Bangladesh further low in the table as South Africa with 7 points and better run rate finished on 7th just above Bangladesh.

Final points table after conclusion of 45 matches in round one (7th July 2019):

Teams                 Matches     Won     Lost        Rain        Grace      Points 
India                         9             7           1             1              15         0.809
Australia                   9             7           2              0             14        0.868
England                   9              6           3             0              12         1.152
New Zealand           9              5           3             1              11         0.175
Pakistan                   9             5            3             1              11        -0.430
Sri Lanka                 9              3           4              2               8        -0.919
South Africa             9              3           5              1               7        -0.030
Bangladesh              9              3           5              1               7        -0.410
West Indies              9              2           6              1                5        -0.225
Afghanistan              9              0           9              0              000      -1.322

The last two matches on the double header day were important in the sense that the battle lines were drawn on the outcomes of the matches. Earlier on the day strong India blowing away Sri Lanka buy 7 wickets did their job done. Australia just missed doing that as their last match against South Africa lived up to the billing. It was well contested high scoring derby which South Africa won by 10 runs. Two of the faithful servants of South Africa Joe Paul Duminy and Imran Tahir were given fitting send off from World Cup. 

Batting first South Africa gave a good account of themselves positing an impressive 325 /6. Hashim Amla was not match fit creating avenue for JP Duminy appearing for his last match of World Cup. Markram (34) and de Cock (52) started well with a 79 runs first wicket partnership before crafty Aussie spinners Lyon removed both of them in quick succession. This brought together Captain du Plessis and young van der Dussen to shoulder the team. They batted with guts and responsibility adding 151 runs in the 3rd wicket partnership. Otherwise penetrative attack of Australia looked a bit toothless. du Plessis scored exactly 100 in 94 deliveries with 7 fours and 2 sixes, van der Dussen scored 95 off 97 with four fours and four sixes. South Africa rallied on to 325/6. Starc adding 2 wickets to his tally equaled the feat of Great McGrath. With at least one more if not two to play he is well placed to set a new milestone of wicket taking in the world cup.

Australin response was not great. In form Flinch was taken by his bondman Tahir in third over. Khawaja was struck and had to stay away in the dressing room for a while. Smith was picked up by Pretorius before he could settle in. Australia was not looking great at 2/33 in the 6th over. But on the other end prolific Warner was going on in his meery sweet way. He found some comfort with Stoinis adding 62 for the third wicket. Maxwell not doing much again put Aussies in the back foot. But Warner and Carey looked to resurrect the Innings. Warner ultimately got out scoring 122 in 117 deliveries striking 15 fours and 2 sixes. Once he left Carey continued but no other player could give him company longer to take Australian boat across the shore. It was another day when Kangaroo tail did not wag. Australia got all out 315 in 49.5 overs.

IT WAS A GREAT WAY SOUTH AFRICA SIGNED OFF. Perhaps things got a little tougher for Australia. They now have to play hosts England in their known territory. India will find New Zealand a bit more comfortable.

BDST: 1007 HRS, JUL 7, 2019
SI