Media Release from Jeffrey Murimbechi, Media Manager, Zimbabwe Cricket
Australia ‘A’ openers scored centuries in a scintillating display of stroke
play powering their team to ay 2 run victory against South Africa ‘A’ in the
final of the Coca Cola Triangular A series challenge cup at Harare Sports
Club on Friday. Australia remained consistent with their choices as they chose to bat yet
again after winning the toss. A mammoth double century opening partnership
between David Warner and Philip Hughes set the final alight. Warner was the
first to go in the 38th over when Roland van der Merwe had him caught behind
for 120 runs from 127 balls; his innings featured 10 fours and three sixes.
Philip Hughes top scored for the match and the series and with a run-a-ball
138 which featured nine boundaries.Van der Merwe did a splendid job claiming two more wickets and was
responsible for the Australian middle order’s collapse. Despite taking a bit
of a tap he was the pick of the South Africa A bowlers finishing with
figures of three for 58 runs from his allotted ten overs.
In reply, South Africa put up a fight and once again Captain Jacques Rudolph
led from the front in pursuit of the 294 runs for victory. Rudolph scored 90
off 97 balls and was unlucky to be run out in the 25th over. Vaughan van
Jaarsveld took the fight to the Australians hitting three sixes and four
boundaries but was caught and bowled by Mitch Marsh for 70 from 69
deliveries. Rory Kleinveldt (32 off 19) also had a quick fire innings which
propelled the batting side yards closer to the total.
In the final over South Africa required 15 overs to win but only managed to
score 12 from the first four balls and required three from the last two.
Mitch Marsh bowled Kleinveldt on the fifth and Rusty Theron was run out on
the last ball.
Philip Hughes was named man-of-the-match and Nathan Lyon the off spinner was
named man of the series.