2012 ICC World T20: Australia vs. South Africa – Robin Peterson-led South Africa set 147-run target for Aussies – Match Update
A late Robin Peterson blitz allowed South Africa to post 146 for 5 in a must win game of the ongoing ICC World T20 against Australia, currently being played at Colombo, today, September 30, 2012.
Their showings however, were far from encouraging after the spin of Xavier Doherty strangled them in the first part of their innings. The left-armer, who was making his first appearance of the tournament after being picked ahead of Daniel Christian, bowled the first over and got immediate assistance to clean up Richard Levi.
He further remained in the thick of the action, despite being clubbed for an inside-out six from Hashim Amla, as he took out Jacques Kallis, who edged behind to leave his side in plenty of bother at 8 for 2.
Amla and JP Duminy gave the innings some momentum, but the induction of Shane Watson, arguably the most inform player in the current competition, again put the Aussies in front as the all-rounder accounted for the right-hander, whose attempted hook shot looped straight into the hands of Matthew Wade.
Much was expected of AB de Villiers, the Proteas skipper, but he too failed to make an impact and struggled against the spin of Brad Hogg. Duminy kept things moving with some neat stroke play and just when it seemed that the Proteas would go on and consolidate their position, Doherty got his third scalp, removing the dangerous left-hander for a well made 30.
De Villiers followed four overs later, offering a straight forward catch to his counterpart George Bailey off Watson to leave his side in dire straits at 86 for 5.
However, the innings geared momentum, courtesy Farhaan Behardien and Peterson, both of whom shared an unbeaten stand of 60. The former took a watchful approach, scoring 31 off 27, while the latter plundered the inform Aussie attack by making 32 off 19, which included six fours, three of which came in the last over bowled by Mitchell Starc.
Earlier, Australian skipper George Bailey had won the toss and opted to bowl first. De Villiers remained satisfied on having to bat first, with his side also making one change, bringing Wayne Parnell in place of Albie Morkel.
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