MACKAY: Adam Zampa leg-spin was the key for Australia as South Africa battled to 264 for nine in the second one-day international (ODI) in Mackay on Friday.
Zampa claimed three critical wickets and controlled the innings during the final overs.
The 33-year-old bowled his full quota of ten overs for 63 runs. His variations and well-disguised googlies caused problems throughout. Adam Zampa dismissed Tristan Stubbs, who scored the highest for South Africa (74 off 87). Stubbs was caught at long on by Camera Green.
Zampa also removed Nandre Burgen, breaking important partnerships and applying pressure in the closing stages.
Nathan Ellis complemented Zampa’s effort with a tight spell. He bowled 9.1 overs, taking two wickets for 45 runs. Ellis used pace to restrict scoring and unsettle the batters. Together, Zampa and Ellis revived Australia’s control when South African batts looked to be accelerating.
South Africa’s innings began poorly. Skipper Aiden Markram fell for a duck, caught behind by Josh Inglis off Xavier Bartlett’s bowling. Bartlett made an impact early, taking two wickets including Ryan Rickleton, who nicked the ball to the keeper.
Despite early trouble, South Africa rebuilt through strong partnerships. Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke put on 67 runs.
de Zorzi played fluently, scoring boundaries with cover drives and cut. Breetzke showed off with power-hitting, smashing 6s over deep backward square leg off Aaron Hardie.
Their stand steadied the innings and pushed the score beyond 80.
Australia fought back with spin introduced by Marnus Labuschagne. His bowling pressurised the middle order and lef to wickets, including Senuran Muthusamy and Wiaan Mulder.
Both fell trying to accelerate, caught in the deep by Aaron Hardie and Cameron Green, respectively.
In the final overs, Keshav Maharaj showed aggressive intent. He struck an outstanding six over long on, leaping over Cameron Green’s desperate attempts to catch. Maharaj finished with 11 runs off 11 balls, but South Africa’s tail failed to provide substantial runs after his dismissal.
Nandre Burger departed after a mistimed slog sweep to a googly from Adam Zampa. Lungi Ngidi remained unbeaten but could not add to the score significantly.
Australia’s fielding was sharp throughout. Cameron Green’s diving catch of Stubbs was a highlight. The hosts restricted South Africa’s lower order and prevented any late heavy hitting.
With 264 on the board, Australia begins its chase under light conditions. Its openers are yet to come to the crease. The match remains finely set.
The series is tied 1-1 after the first ODI win by South Africa. The final match will decide the outcome.
