Lucknow, Oct 12: In the high voltage contest between two super powers of world cricket on Thursday, South Africa set 312-run target before Australia, here.
In reply, Aussies had initial jolts in the first power play. They were struggling at 69/5 in 16.2 overs.
Earlier, put into bat, South Africa scored 311/7 in 50 overs. The highlights of the African innings were the century opening stand between skipper Temba Bavuma and inform seasoned keeper Quinton de Kock. Flamboyant de Kock hit a superb 109, to let his side capitalise in the final overs.
Bavuma and de Kock began cautiously, perhaps trying to negotiate the initial extra swing in the early overs. But they changed gears and accelerated later putting up a century stand in 18 overs, without being separated.
However, Bavuma fell to Glenn Maxwell trying to hit big and David Warner made no mistake with the catch. African captain scored 35 in 55 balls, hitting two boundaries.
After the skipper's dismissal, de Kock was joined in the middle by attacking batter Rassie van der Dussen. But he could not continue long and was out for 26 off Adam Zampa, being caught by substitute Sean Abbot.
While the South Africans were inching towards 200, in the 35th over, de Kock was claimed by Maxwell, after he made a convincing 109. He was bowled while trying to play a reverse pull, altering his stand, which of course only guided him to the pavilion.
Aiden Markram (56 in 44 balls), Henrich Klassen (29 in 27 balls), David Miller (17 in 13 balls) Marco Jansen (26 in 22 balls) played useful knocks to let Africa cross the 300-mark.
For the Aussies, Glenn Maxwell (2/34) and Mitchell Starc (2/53) shared two wickets each. Josh Hazlewood, skipper Pat Cummins and leg-spinner Adam Zampa claimed one wicket each.
