HARARE: An eye-catching all-round performance by Mitchell Marsh helped Australia return to winning ways as they beat South Africa by 62 runs on Tuesday in Harare to secure their place in the triangular series final.
Marsh struck a brutal 86 not out from 51 balls to boost the Australian total to 282 for seven, and then took two key wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 220 in spite of Faf du Plessis’ superb hundred.
It was the best response Australia could have hoped for after they were humiliated by hosts Zimbabwe on Sunday to leave their participation in Saturday’s final in doubt.
South Africa’s own qualification will only be confirmed today, though they would need to be heavily beaten by Zimbabwe in the final round robin game to miss out.
“I think if we have to pinpoint somewhere that we lost the game it was with Mitchell Marsh’s innings,” Du Plessis said.
Scores: Australia 282 for seven in 50 overs (M.Marsh 86 not out, P.Hughes 85) v South Africa 220 all out in 44 overs (F. Du Plessis 126) AFP