Aussies too strong for Proteas

AUSTRALIA’S T20 World Cup journey has kicked off in winning fashion with Aaron Finch’s side narrowly beating South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

Victory was confirmed after Marcus Stoinis hitting a boundary on the third last ball to chase down the Proteas’ target of 119.

It was the bowlers who set up the win, with Josh Hazlewood continuing his strong IPL form earning man of the match for his 2-19 off four overs.

He was helped by Pat Cummins who had 1-17 off four, and Adam Zampa with 2-21 off four, as the Australian’s key trio went for less than a run a ball each.

While it appeared like the Australians would comfortably get their target in 20 overs, the loss of David Warner for 14, Finch for 0 and Mitchell Marsh for 11 had the side reeling at 3/38.

Steve Smith’s steady run-a-ball 35 got the chase back on favourable terms before Stoinis who chipped in with 24 not out and Matthew Wade on 15 not out finished the job.

The Aussies next face Sri Lanka on Friday morning.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN