South Africa “A” recorded their second defeat against Australia ‘A’ in the fifth match of the Coca-Cola Triangular “A” Series in a head-to-head high scorer at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
The match just like their previous one against Zimbabwe went down to the last over, this time a resolute Australian tail ender Nathan Lyon ended the match with a massive six for a one-wicket victory with a ball to spare.
South Africa captain Jacques Rudolf top-scored with 90 runs after winning the toss and electing to bat.
The team’s innings was predominantly profound as the South Africans scored 298/7 thanks mainly to an opening stand between Rudolf and Jonathan Vandiar (60) worth 123 runs.
Rilee Roussouw added 52 runs while Roelof van der Merwe finished the innings unbeaten for 40.
Mitch Marsh was the pick of the Australian bowlers with two wickets for 15 runs in five overs.
The gritty Australians were equal to the task, needing almost six runs an over from the outset.
Mitch Marsh pounced on the South Africans with a quickfire 72 from 73 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and a six, the performance earned him the man of the match award.
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Vice-captain Callum Ferguson had a similarly explosive innings scoring 66 from 67 balls before Vernon Philander bowled him out.
The match looked as if it would go South Africa’s way when they had the batting side 275/9 in the 47th over. Justin Ontong at backward point, would have terminated the chase had he not dropped Lyon on the first ball of the final over, when a run a ball was required to win the match.
Lyon capitalised on his second lease of life with a six over deep square on the fifth ball when Australia was 297/9.
