commentary: australia v south africa

Australia (377 for six) beat South Africa (294 all out) by 83 runs with 3 overs remaining.
So ends the much anticipated match between the number one and two ranked countries in ODI cricket. Matty Hayden smashed the fastest ton in World Cup history, Shaun Pollock recorded his worst figures ever and AB De Villiers missed out on a ton. South Africa will counted the 'retired hurt' of skipper Graeme Smith as the beginning of their bad luck, unable to come back after that. Anyway, both countries will go through to the Super Eights and that's it from us for the evening.

Over 48:
South Africa 294/10 (RR: 6.12): Hall 8* (12).

WICKET
Ntini b Bracken 7 (8)
It's all over! Ntini beaten by the perfect yorker off the last ball of the over after again pushing and prodding the ball around with Hall, for a handful of singles at the start of the over.

Over 47: McGrath peppers the tail-enders with yorkers but they are up for the task, refusing to go down without a bit of a fight and picking up seven runs around the ground.
South Africa 291/9 (RR: 6.19): Hall 6* (8), Ntini 6* (6)
South Africa need 87 runs to win from 3 overs at 29.00 runs per over.

McGrath back in the attack again.

Over 46: Makhaya had three sighters and then hammers Bracken down the ground for a boundary off the last ball of the over.
South Africa 284/9 (RR: 6.17): Hall 1* (4), Ntini 4* (4)
South Africa need 94 runs to win from 4 overs at 23.50 runs per over.

Makhaya Ntini is the last man in for South Africa.

WICKET
Langeveldt b Bracken 0 (6)
Hall gets off the mark with a single and then Bracken bowls a little off-cutter to Langeveldt, disturbing the furniture as ol' Charl knows nothing about that one.

Bracken back in the attack.

Over 45: Watson completes the first maiden of the match...a wicket maiden at that, as Langeveldt blocks out five balls.
South Africa 279/8 (RR: 6.17): Hall 0* (3), Langevedlt 0* (5)
South Africa need 99 runs to win from 5 overs at 20.00 runs per over.

South Africa have lost their last seven wickets for 59 runs.

Charl Langeveldt is the new batsman.

WICKET
Pollock b Watson 7 (7)
Pollock swings across the line off the first ball of the over and is clean bowled.

Watson back in the attack.

Over 44: Hogg's successful over comes to an end with Hall not getting off the mark but Pollock getting one more single.
South Africa 279/7 (RR: 6.31): Hall 0* (3), Pollock 7* (6)
South Africa need 99 runs to win from 6 overs at 16.66 runs per over.

Andrew Hall is the new batsman.

WICKET
Kallis c Clarke b Hogg 48 (63)
Kallis tries to go big but holes out on the long-on ropes. Well judged catch for Mike Clarke and Kallis falling short of his half-ton.

Over 43: One more boundary to the South African total coupled with a couple of singles as the game begins to slip away from the batting side. Tait still on fire but slips up with a no-ball.
South Africa 277/6 (RR: 6.41): Kallis 48* (62), Pollock 6* (8)
South Africa need 101 runs to win from 7 overs at 14.57 runs per over.

Over 42: Pollock misses his first ball, failing to pick the wrong'un and then gets off the mark with a sneaky single. Kallis picks up another run, now close to his half-ton.
South Africa 270/6 (RR: 6.42): Kallis 47* (57), Pollock 1* (2)
South Africa need 108 runs to win from 8 overs at 13.50 runs per over.

Shaun Pollock is the new batsman.

WICKET
Smith c Gilchrist b Hogg 74 (70)
Oh dear! Smithers' return is short-lived as he top-edges and Hogg bags a wicket in the first over of his latest spell. Two singles prior to that grew the SA total oh so slightly. Gilchrist takes an easy catch as Smith's slog-sweep goes all wrong.

Hogg back in the attack.

Over 41: Smith returns with a single down the ground off the last ball of the over.
South Africa 265/5 (RR: 6.46): Kallis 44* (55), Smith 73* (67)
South Africa need 113 runs to win from 9 overs at 12.55 runs per over.

Graeme Smith is the 'new' batsman, back out in the middle after his struggle with cramp.

WICKET
Kemp lbw Tait 1 (6)
Kallis drills through the cover region for four, nabs another quick single but then Kemp is trapped on the pads dead in front and SA are another man down. A lot was riding on the shoulders of Kemp. Alas, he is gone.

Over 40: Just three runs off the over simply won't do South Africa. Bracken and Tait on top of things right now.
South Africa 259/4 (RR: 6.47): Kallis 39* (52), Kemp 1* (4)
South Africa need 119 runs to win from 10 overs at 11.90 runs per over.

Over 39: Kemp sees off the last ball of the over, failing to get off the mark just yet. Kemp sure is a great striker of the ball and must start doing exactly that from the get-go.
South Africa 256/4 (RR: 6.56): Kallis 37* (49), Kemp 0* (1)
South Africa need 122 runs to win from 11 overs at 11.09 runs per over.

Justin Kemp is the new batsman.

WICKET
Boucher b Tait 22 (26)
Boucher and Kallis scamper through for some singles, Kallis beautifully times one through the covers for four and then Boucher hacks across the line to an in-swinging yorker and is clean bowled. Pity that, Boucher was just getting going.

Tait back in the attack.

Over 38: Three singles off the over as Bracken is really coming to the party with some tight line and length. The required run-rate hikes back up again after a slight dip in the previous over.
South Africa 250/3 (RR: 6.57): Kallis 32* (46), Boucher 21* (24)
South Africa need 128 runs to win from 12 overs at 10.66 runs per over.

Over 37: Here we go! Boucher turns on the heat driving straight down the ground for four and then lambasting McGrath over mid-wicket for a big six. Two before that on the slog-sweep and a single last ball end a fruitful over for SA. That over proving to be the one man Boucher Show.
South Africa 247/3 (RR: 6.67): Kallis 31* (44), Boucher 19* (20)
South Africa need 131 runs to win from 13 overs at 10.07 runs per over.

Only 48 runs off the past 10 overs. No good SA...no good.

Over 36: Bracken keeps Boucher and Kallis quiet as the batters fail to penetrate a well placed field by Ponting. Really now, one of these two batsman must break lose and have a few hefty hits.
South Africa 234/3 (RR: 6.50): Kallis 31* (44), Boucher 6* (14)
South Africa need 144 runs to win from 14 overs at 10.28 runs per over.

Bracken back in the attack. Crucial spell this from young Nathan.

Over 35: South Africa need a big over soon. The boundaries have suddenly dried up and McGrath goes for just three runs in this over. Boucher is certainly capable of opening up and must do so soon. McGrath's yorkers really not helping Boucher though.
South Africa 231/3 (RR: 6.60): Kallis 30* (41), Boucher 4* (11)
South Africa need 147 runs to win from 15 overs at 9.80 runs per over.

Over 34: Hogg races through another over off which South Africa manage only two runs. A couple of sweep strokes proving fruitless. SA losing momentum now after an outstanding opening partnership by Smith and AB. Remember Smith, retired hurt, might still be back. Required rate now approaching 10. Oh dear SA.
South Africa 228/3 (RR: 6.70): Kallis 29* (40), Boucher 2* (6)
South Africa need 150 runs to win from 16 overs at 9.37 runs per over.

Over 33: McGrath completes his over with some short ones to Boucher who is up for the task and gets off the mark. Kallis, now very much the senior partner, nabs two more singles. Again let it be said Kallis must bat through if SA are to triumph.
South Africa 226/3 (RR: 6.84): Kallis 28* (38), Boucher 1* (2)
South Africa need 152 runs to win from 17 overs at 8.94 runs per over.

Mark Boucher is the new batter.

WICKET
Prince c Hayden b McGrath 1 (3)
McGrath strikes straight away in his new spell as a short-ish delivery proves to big for Prince as he holes out on the pull to mid-wicket. Matty Hayden completes an easy catch. A single to Kallis off the first ball of the over before the wicket.

McGrath back in the attack now.

Over 32: Prince plays out a dot, picks up a single to get off the mark and then Kallis bags another quick single bringing to an end a successful over for the Aussies.
South Africa 222/2 (RR: 6.93): Kallis 25* (35), Prince 1* (2)
South Africa need 156 runs to win from 18 overs at 8.66 runs per over.

Ashwell Prince is the new batter.

WICKET
Gibbs st Gilchrist b Hogg 17 (19)
A single to Kallis and then Gibbs bangs Hogg back over his head for six, The next ball is not as successful for SA though as Gibbs plays forward to the wrong'un, misses and is short of his ground as 'keeper Gilchrist whips off the bails. So ends a short and sweet stay out in the middle for Gibbs.

Over 31: Watson again keeping things tight conceding just four singles. Kallis needs to be the man to bat through, while Gibbs can be the one to attack the bowling. Sounds like a play hey.
South Africa 213/1 (RR: 6.87): Kallis 23* (33), Gibbs 11* (17)
South Africa need 165 runs to win from 19 overs at 8.68 runs per over.

Over 30: Kallis late cuts wonderfully as the ball trickles to the third-man fence for four. He and Gibbs play a couple of uppishly streaky shots but get away with it collecting a few more singles. The required run-rate climbing quite briskly now.
South Africa 209/1 (RR: 6.96): Kallis 21* (30), Gibbs 9* (14)
South Africa need 169 runs to win from 20 overs at 8.45 runs per over.

Drinks break!

Over 29: Watson really settling in now after a disastrous start to his day with the ball. Gibbs and Kallis only able to pick up two singles each around the ground with the Aussies displaying some impressive fielding as is the norm.
South Africa 203/1 (RR: 7.00): Kallis 16* (25), Gibbs 8* (13)
South Africa need 175 runs to win from 21 overs at 8.33 runs per over.

Over 28: Kallis and Gibbs get straight to sweeping and collect a four each to fine-leg for their efforts. A single each more gets added to the tally as Hogg's returning over proves a tad expensive.
South Africa 199/1 (RR: 7.10): Kallis 14* (22), Gibbs 6* (10)
South Africa need 179 runs to win from 22 overs at 8.13 runs per over.

Hogg back in the attack again.

Over 27: Kallis drives for two and then picks up a lucky single off an inside edge. Gibbs then faces out the last four balls of the over and that's the end of a pretty econoicalthird and final powerplay for the Aussies.
South Africa 189/1 (RR: 7.00): Kallis 9* (18), Gibbs 1* (8)
South Africa need 189 runs to win from 23 overs at 8.21 runs per over.

Over 26: Gibbs gets off the mark and Kallis gathers another single as South Africa rebuild after the temporary 'loss' of their skipper. Hopefully for them, Smithers will be back down the order later in the game.
South Africa 186/1 (RR: 7.15): Kallis 6* (16), Gibbs 1* (4)
South Africa need 192 runs to win from 24 overs at 8.00 runs per over.

Bad luck for Smith and South Africa. He has to leave the field, retired hurt. Herschelle Gibbs to pick up the charge with Kallis.

Over 25: Smith takes a single off the first ball of the over and Kallis blocks out the final fival balls. Good over from Tait as the SA skipper continues to struggle with cramp, even with a runner.
South Africa 184/1 (RR: 7.31): Kallis 5* (15), Smith 72* (65)
South Africa need 194 runs to win from 25 overs at 7.81 runs per over.

De Villiers back on the park to run for Smithers.

Smith seemingly struggling with some sort of injury. Yes, it's cramp.

Over 24: 11 runs off the over with just one of those 11 coming off the bat - a single for Smith to third-man. Watson bowls some shocking wides, one of which goes for four and another five penalty runs are collected as the ball hits a cap behind the 'keeper. Silly giveaway runs by the Aussies.
South Africa 183/1 (RR: 7.62): Kallis 5* (10), Smith 71* (64)
South Africa need 195 runs to win from 26 overs at 7.50 runs per over.

Watson back in the attack too.

Over 23: Tait bowls some dots and a wide to Kallis, still finding his feet and then the SA number three drives sweetly through the covers for four. Smith goes an over without facing a ball, he must get lots of strike.
South Africa 171/1 (RR: 7.43): Kallis 5* (10), Smith 70* (58)
South Africa need 207 runs to win from 27 overs at 7.66 runs per over.

Tait back into the attack again.

Australia to take the third and final powerplay.

Over 22: Smith will not be put off by AB's wicket as he cuts for four and then gets a single. Kallis plays out some deliveries and then gets off the mark with a tickle to third-man. Kallis takes a while to play himself in so the Aussies might want to keep him on strike for as much as possible, and Smith at the non-striker's end.
South Africa 166/1 (RR: 7.54): Kallis 1* (5), Smith 70* (58)
South Africa need 212 runs to win from 28 overs at 7.57 runs per over.

Over 21:
South Africa 160/1 (RR: 7.61): Kallis 0* (0), Smith 65* (56)
South Africa need 218 runs to win from 29 overs at 7.51 runs per over.

Jacques Kallis is the new batsman.

WICKET
De Villiers Watson 92 (70)
Five singles off five balls and off the last ball of the over they push for two to fine-leg but a direct hit from Watson in the deep ends De Villiers' stint out in the middle. Stupid running. Bad move. Goodbye AB. That equals his highest ODI score...but no more for today.

Over 20: De Villiers pulls again and the ball races to the ropes. Two off the last ball of the over and the young opener is nearing his highest ODI total of 92 not out. Smith continues to play second fiddle to his partner, but that's fine for now.
South Africa 154/0 (RR: 7.70): De Villiers 89* (67), Smith 62* (53)
South Africa need 224 runs to win from 30 overs at 7.46 runs per over.

Over 19: Smith takes a single off the first ball of the over, AB plays at acouple but fails to get them off the square but then Symonds starts to drop short and AB cashes in with two fours pulled through mid-wicket and then a lovely flick past mid-on for another bonundary. Go AB!
South Africa 147/0 (RR: 7.73): De Villiers 83* (64), Smith 61* (50)
South Africa need 231 runs to win from 31 overs at 7.45 runs per over.

Andrew Symonds into the attack for the first time.

Over 18: It was not going to be long before AB would go after the spinner. He does so and nails a six back over Hoggy's head. He and Smithers nab three more runs, again using the sweep to great effect.
South Africa 134/0 (RR: 7.44): De Villiers 61* (59), Smith 60* (49)
South Africa need 244 runs to win from 32 overs at 7.62 runs per over.

Over 17: Smith is backing away at every opportunity now and picks up and edged four through the slip area for his efforts. Tait's speed proving useful for the batsman AB digs out a yorker and takes a single and two other singles picked off around the ground make up the over.
South Africa 125/0 (RR: 7.35): De Villiers 63* (55), Smith 59* (47)
South Africa need 254 runs to win from 33 overs at 7.66 runs per over.

Drinks break!

Over 16: Smith faces out four dot balls before employing the sweep and getting a boundary with fine-leg up in the circle(again, silly field placement) to bring up his half-ton. The SA skipper then collects a quick single.
South Africa 118/0 (RR: 7.37): De Villiers 62* (54), Smith 53* (42)
South Africa need 260 runs to win from 34 overs at 7.64 runs per over.

Smith 50: 41 balls, 7 x 4s, 2 x 6 Smith records his fourth half-ton against the Aussies.

Spinner Brad Hogg into the attack with the Aussies opting not to take the third and final powerplay.

Over 15: Smith backs away and bangs through mid-wicket for another four. AB drives hard and a catch to Ponting at mid-off falls just short. So close there for the Aussies. Smithers and De Villiers bag three more singles in tandem as the Oz pacemen continue to struggle. Smith nearing his 50. Perhaps time for a bit of spin...
South Africa 113/0 (RR: 7.53): De Villiers 62* (54), Smith 48* (36)
South Africa need 265 runs to win from 35 overs at 7.57 runs per over.

Tait back in the attack.

Over 14: De Villiers bags himself to more boundaries off the first and last ball of the over. The first is pulled over mid-on and the second is banged back over McGrath's head. Smith chips in with a single and AB gets another single for himself.
South Africa 106/0 (RR: 7.57): De Villiers 61* (51), Smith 42* (33)
South Africa need 272 runs to win from 36 overs at 7.55 runs per over.

Over 13: Watto really bowling some half-volley pies now as Smith flicks him through mid-wicket for four and then creams him over lon-off for a sixer. A single each for him and AB, followed by three to fine-leg for AB to bring up his 50. having fine-leg up in the circle is a really silly move from skipper Ponting, let it be said.
South Africa 96/0 (RR: 7.39): De Villiers 52* (47), Smith 41* (31)
South Africa need 282 runs to win from 37 overs at 7.62 runs per over.

De Villiers 50: 47 balls, 8 x 4s, 1 x 6AB notches up his eight ODI career half-ton and opening berth continuing to prove his position in the order of choice.

Over 12: A single each for Smithers and AB as their solid stands continues, albeit a bit quiet this over. Nice line and lenght from the legend that is Glenn McGrath.
South Africa 81/0 (RR: 6.75): De Villiers 48* (45),Smith 30* (27)
South Africa need 297 runs to win from 38 overs at 7.81 runs per over.

Over 11: Watson spoils an economical over by going for another boundary courtesy of De Villiers, now closing in on a quick-fire half-centurry. He whips past fine-leg to gather that four.
South Africa 79/0 (RR: 7.18): De Villiers 47* (41), Smith 29* (25)
South Africa need 299 runs to win from 39 overs at 7.66 runs per over.

Aussies to take the next powerplay.

Over 10: Ten more runs to the SA tally as Smith and De Villiers carry on their merry way with some calculated hitting. AB gets a four through square-leg and then a single but before that Smith drills down the ground for another boundary and also steals a single.
South Africa 73/0 (RR: 7.30): De Villiers 42* (36), Smith 28* (24)
South Africa need 305 runs to win from 40 overs at 7.62 runs per over.

Over 9: Watto comes in for a bit of stick straight away as Smithers sends him back over his head for a sixer and then scampers through for a quick single. The SA skipper won't play second fiddle to AB who also nabs a quick single in the over.
South Africa 63/0 (RR: 7.00): De Villiers 37* (33), Smith 23* (21)
South Africa need 315 runs to win from 41 overs at 7.68 runs per over.

Shane Watson into the attack, Australia's fourth bowler used in just the ninth over of the innings.

Over 8: That's better Glenn! South Africa only able to pick up one more run off the bat of De Villiers, with he and Smithers struggling to find the gaps in the field, especially on the on-side.
South Africa 55/0 (RR: 6.87): De Villiers 36* (31), Smith 16* (17)
South Africa need 323 runs to win from 42 overs at 7.69 runs per over.

Over 7: Bracken finishes up a tighter over as Smith and De Villiers pick up a single each to third-man and mid-on respectively. Bracken the best of the three Aussie pacemen thus far.
South Africa 54/0 (RR: 7.71): De Villiers 35* (26), Smith 16* (16)
South Africa need 324 runs to win from 43 overs at 7.53 runs per over.

Over 6: McGrath starts off really badly going for three boundaries on the trot as AB tucks in. De Villiers flicks the first through the fine-leg area, drives hard for the next and then square cuts the third. McGrath pegs it back a bit finishing the over with three dot balls.
South Africa 52/0 (RR: 8.66): De Villiers 34* (22), Smith 15* (14)
South Africa need 326 runs to win from 44 overs at 7.40 runs per over.

Tait removed from the attack early on and Glenn McGrath is ready to bowl.

Over 5: Smith dances down the track and lambastes Bracken through mid-on for four and then two balls later times one through the covers for another boundary. He and De Villiers pick up a single each at the end of an over to wrap up another expensive over.
South Africa 40/0 (RR: 8.00): De Villiers 22* (16), Smith 15* (14)
South Africa need 338 runs to win from 45 overs at 7.51 runs per over.

Over 4: Smith pushes past the bowler for four as a diving mid-off fails to stop the ball. De Villiers nabs a four to fine-leg and the SA openers pick up a single each. Tait bowls one more wide.
South Africa 30/0 (RR: 7.50): De Villiers 21* (15), Smith 6* (9)
South Africa need 348 runs to win from 46 overs at 7.56 runs per over.

Over 3: De Villiers takes a single to mid-on and is nearly run-out by a direct hit but makes his ground just in time. Five other dotballs see Bracken finish off a really tight over. South Africa cannot afford too many economical in this mammoth chase.
South Africa 19/0 (RR: 6.33): De Villiers 16* (12), Smith 1* (6)
South Africa need 359 runs to win from 47 overs at 7.63 runs per over.

Over 2: If Taiters doesn't find his line and lenght today the Aussies are in trouble. He kicks off his spell with an indifferent over, dotted with wides and singles and a lovely flick through mid-on for four from De Villiers. Smith gets off the mark with a quick single and AB gets another run down to fine-leg on the pull.
South Africa 18/0 (RR: 9.00): De Villiers 15* (9), Smith 1* (3)
South Africa need 360 runs to win from 48 overs at 7.50 runs per over.

Shaun Tait to share the new ball with Bracken.

Over 1: De Villiers gets striaght to the task at hand playing out a couple of dots and then pushing off the back foot for four. the next ball is too short and punched over mid-wicket for the first six of the chase. Bracken pulls it back with a dot ball off the last delivery of the over.
South Africa 10/0 (RR: 10.00): De Villiers 10* (6), Smith 0* (0)
South Africa need 368 runs to win from 49 overs at 7.51 runs per over.

Nathan Bracken to take the new ball.

The players are back on the field and it is Graeme Smith and AB De Villiers to open the batting for SA.

And now for the South African chase.

Australia: 377 for six (50 overs)
South Africa need 378 to win at 7.56 runs per over

Australia have posted the third highest World Cup total. It has rained sixes and boundaries at Warner Park. South Africa have chased an even bigger total against Australia... So this should be a classic run chase with loads of drama. The opening partnership is crucial for South Africa. Smith and de villiers will want to follow the Gilchrist/Hayden example. See you after the break.

Over 50: Hall bowls a wonderful final over. Four runs are scored off the over. Symonds is cleaned bowled off the last ball of the innings. Australia 377/6 (RR: 7.54): Watson 14* (9)

WICKET
A Symonds b Hall 18 (13)
Symonds knocks the ball to point for a single. Hall bounces back with two dot balls. Watson knocks the ball to long-off for a single. The fifth delivery of the over is a yorker. Symonds somehow manages to sneak the ball past point for two. Hall bags the wicket of Symonds off the final ball of the innings. It was an inswinging yorker - the perfect ball. Symonds has no answer and walks back to the pavillion.

Over 49: Symonds launches his final assault. He is not playing like a man who has been injured but a man in form. He is seeing the ball like a football! Australia 373/5 (RR: 7.61): Symonds 15* (10), Watson 13* (6)

Over 48: Four singles are scored to end the over. Hall shows his class at the death. Australia 357/5 (RR: 7.43): Symonds 10* (8), Watson 2* (2)

Shane Watson is the new batsman.

WICKET
M Hussey c Kallis b Hall 5 (3)
Hussey smashes the first ball of the over behind point for a boundary. Hussey gives his wicket away in search of quick runs at the death. He tries to hit it over extra cover, but ends up being caught by Kallis.

Over 47: Eight runs are conceded off the over. Australia 349/4 (RR: 7.42): Symonds 8* (6), Hussey 1* (1)

Michael Hussey is the new batsman.

WICKET
M Clarke run out 92 (75)
Langeveldt starts well conceding two singles and then a boundary. Clarke is then run out. Symonds drives the ball to midwicket but then does not run. Clarke runs halfway downthe pitch. Pollock throws the ball to the bowler who whipes off the bails.

Over 46: Clarke continues where Ponting left off. He is nearing his maiden World Cup hundred. What a performance. Australia 341/3 (RR: 7.41): Symonds 2* (2), Clarke 91* (74)

Andrew Symonds is the new batsman.

WICKET
R Ponting c de Villiers b Ntini 91 (91b)
Ponting smashes the first ball of the Ntini over straight to De Villiers at long-on.

Over 45: Clarke and Ponting continue to attack the inept bowling. Kallis does limit the damage, but South Africa need to break this partnership. Australia 328/2 (RR: 7.28): Ponting 91* (90), Clarke 80* (71)

Over 44: Seven runs are conceded off the over. Australia 318/2 (RR: 7.22): Ponting 89* (87), Clarke 72* (68)

Ntini comes back onto bowl.

Over 43: Kallis is easy pickings for Clarke. Clarke is going out just over a run a ball. What a rapid innings it has been by the entire Australian top-order. Australia 311/2 (RR: 7.23): Ponting 84* (84), Clarke 70* (65)

Over 42: Hall goes at exactly a run a ball in the over. Australia 303/2 (RR: 7.21): Ponting 82* (81), Clarke 64* (62)

Over 41: Not even Kallis can stop the rot. The first five balls are all singles. The final ball is a full toss. Ponting smashes it to deep point. Australia 297/2 (RR: 7.24): Ponting 79* (78), Clarke 61* (59)

Kallis comes back onto bowl.

Over 40: Four runs are conceded off the over. Australia 288/2 (RR: 7.20): Ponting 73* (75), Clarke 58* (56)

Hall comes back into the attack.

Over 39: Ponting and Clarke consolidate the over with ease. Pollock has been well below par in this match. Australia 284/2 (RR: 7.28): Ponting 71* (72), Clarke 56* (53)

Over 38: Four runs are conceded off the Langeveldt over.Australia 270/2 (RR: 7.10): Ponting 64* (68), Clarke 54* (51)

Over 37: Australia 266/2 (RR: 7.18): Ponting 62* (66), Clarke 52* (47)

Clarke 50: 47 balls, 5 x 4s, 2x6s Clarke smacked a six over mid-off to reach his fifty off the fifth delivery of the Ponting over. The first four deliveries concede a single, a dot, another six over long-off and then two played to long-leg..

Over 36: Clarke takes a liking to the medium pace of Langeveldt. He knocks a one and two and then smashes two consecutive boundaries. The first is smashed to wide long-on. The second is guided past backward point.
Australia 250/2 (RR: 6.94): Ponting 53* (63), Clarke 45* (44)

Over 35: Ponting drives the final ball of the over down to long-on for a single. What a man, what a legend!
Australia 239/2 (RR: 6.82): Ponting 52* (62), Clarke 35* (39)

Ponting 50: 61 balls, 5 x 4s, 1 x 6 Ponting smashes Ntini for a boundary through extra cover, a two past square-leg. Then two dot balls are bowled. He then dances down the track and hits a boundary over long-off. This is Ponting's 58th ODI fifty.

Over 34: Ponting is edging closer to another milestone at the World Cup in the West Indies. This has been a tough old day at the office for the South Africans. Ponting and Clarke have such a good understanding of one another. This is going to be one huge score.
Australia 228/2 (RR: 6.70): Ponting 41* (56), Clarke 35* (39)

Over 33: Ntini bowls a good comeback over. Two singles are scored off the over.
Australia 216/2 (RR: 6.54): Ponting 39* (54), Clarke 25* (35)

The ball has been changed. Ntini comes back into the attack.

Time for a drink.

Over 32: Kallis is smashed for elevenruns off the over. Ponting knocks the ball down to long-on for a single. Two dot balls are then bowled. Clarke creams the fourth ball through cover for a boundary. He then comes down the track and smashes a six over long-off. Kallis bowls a dot ball to end the over.
Australia 214/2 (RR: 6.68): Ponting 38* (51), Clarke 24* (32)

Over 31: Two singles are scored off the over.
Australia 203/2 (RR: 6.54): Ponting 37* (50), Clarke 14* (27)

Over 30: Two singles are scored off the first two balls of the over. Ponting then mistimes a hook and the ball races to the fine-leg boundary fence. He then sneaks a single. Kallis then bowls a dot ball of the fifth ball of the over. Clarke drives the last ball down to long-on for a single to end the over.
Australia 201/2 (RR: 6.70): Ponting 36* (49), Clarke 13* (22)

Over 29: Four runs are acored off the over. Pollock has shown all his experience in his comeback spell.
Australia 193/2 (RR: 6.65): Ponting 31* (46), Clarke 14* (19)

Over 28: Clarke and Ponting are starting to build another one of their annoying partnerships. They can afford to just knock the ball around for ones and twos because the foundation has already been set.
Australia 189/2 (RR: 6.75): Ponting 29* (44), Clarke 12* (15)

Over 27: Five runs are conceded off the over. Good comeback over from Pollock.
Australia 182/2 (RR: 6.74): Ponting 28* (42), Clarke 6* (11)

Pollock comes back into the attack.

Over 26: Three singles are scored off the over. Kallis is showing all his class and experience.
Australia 177/2 (RR: 6.80): Ponting 26* (38), Clarke 5* (9)

Over 25: Smith goes at a run a ball. Six runs are scored off the over.
Australia 174/2 (RR: 6.96): Ponting 24* (35), Clarke 4* (6)

Over 24: Two dot balls and a single end a good over for Kallis and South Africa.
Australia 168/2 (RR: 7.00): Ponting 21* (32), Clarke 1* (3)

Michael Clark is the new batsman.

WICKET
M Hayden c Gibbs b Kallis 101 (68)
Kallis starts off with a single. Ponting then knocks to ball to mid-on for a single. Hayden hits the third ball of the over to Gibbs at point. It was played off the backfoot, but the gap was not found.

Jacques Kallis comes into the attack.

Over 23: Two singles are scored to end the over.
Australia 166/1 (RR: 7.21): Ponting 20* (30), Hayden 101* (67)

M Hayden 100: 66 balls, 14 x 4s, 4x6s Hayden blocks the fist ball of the over. Smith then tosses one up, Hayden dances down the track and smashes the ball back past the bowler. Hayden has beaten John Davidson's record. This is the fastest World Cup hundred.

Time for a bit of spin! Graeme Smith brings himself onto bowl.

Over 22: Two runs are conceded off the over.
Australia 156/1 (RR: 7.18): Ponting 19* (27), Hayden 94* (64)

Over 21: Five runs are conceded off the over.
Australia 156/1 (RR: 7.42): Ponting 18* (22), Hayden 93* (63)

Over 20: Hall bowls an average over. Hayden sneaks a single off the first ball of the over. Ponting then danced down the track and smashes a six over long-on. Ponting then hits a boundary over the bowler's head.
Australia 151/1 (RR: 7.55): Ponting 16* (19), Hayden 91* (60)

Over 19: The ball is knocked around with ease in the over. Langeveldt started well, but is getting punished now.
Australia 140/1 (RR: 7.36): Ponting 6* (14), Hayden 90* (59)

Over 18: Five runs are scored off the over. Ponting gets offthe mark with a single flicked behind square off the fourth delivery of the over. Hayden then manages to get some bat on the ball as it races past the stumps and to the fence.
Australia 128/1 (RR: 7.11): Ponting 1* (9), Hayden 85* (57)

Over 17: Hayden smacks three boundaries off the Langeveldt over. Hayden is on fire in St Kitts. The first is smacked through cover. The second is hit through the line and races to the mid-on fence. The last ball of the over is guided around the corner.
Australia 123/1 (RR: 7.23): Ponting 0* (5), Hayden 81* (55)

Over 16: Hayden smacks the first ball of the over through extra cover for a boundary. He then works the second ball to mid-on for a single.
Australia 111/1 (RR: 6.93): Ponting 0* (5), Hayden 69* (49)

The third and final powerplay has been taken.

Over 15: A dot ball is bowled to end the over. Clever bowling by Langeveldt!
Australia 106/1 (RR: 7.06): Ponting 0* (1), Hayden 64* (47)

Ricky Ponting is the new batsman.

WICKET
A Gilchrist c Gibbs b Langeveldt 42 (42)
Gilchrist clips the first ball of the over through midwicket for a boundary. Langeveld hits back with three dot balls. He then has the last laugh. Gilchrist misjudges the slower ball and hits the ball straight to Gibbs at backward point.

Over 14: Hayden clips the second delivery to fine-leg for a boundary. Hayden then smashes a six over mid-off. It flew flat and low into the crowd. what a shot! SA need to find a way to limit the damage!
Australia 102/0 (RR: 7.28): Gilchrist 38* (37), Hayden 64* (47)

Over 13: Three singles are conceded off the over. The change of pace is doing the trick. Langeveldt is showing good variation.
Australia 92/0 (RR: 7.07): Gilchrist 38* (37), Hayden 54* (41)

Over 12: A dot ball and a single are bowled to end the over.
Australia 89/0 (RR: 7.41): Gilchrist 37* (33), Hayden 52* (39)

Hayden 50: 37 balls, 7 x 4s, 2x6s Hall bowls three dot balls first up. Hayden then reaches his third fifty of the World Cup with a powerful boundary through mid-off. Well done Haydos!

Andrew Hall replaces Ntini.

Over 11: Langeveldt starts well. Hayden drops and runs a single off the first delivery. Then four dot balls are bowled. Gilchrist smashes the last ball long-leg.
Australia 84/0 (RR: 7.63): Gilchrist 37* (33), Hayden 47* (33)

The second powerplay has been taken. Shaun Pollock has been taken out of the attack. Charl Langeveldt is the new bowler.

Over 10: Ntini is being ripped apart. The first ball of the over is played on the leg-side for a single. Hayden then smashes two consecutive fours - the first races to the sqaure-leg boundary. The second brilliantly timed down the ground. Hayden then guides the fifth ball down to third-man for a single.
Australia 77/0 (RR: 7.70): Gilchrist 31* (28), Hayden 46* (32)

Over 9: Polly bowls a tight over. Three singles are scored off the last three balls of the over.
Australia 67/0 (RR: 7.44): Gilchrist 30* (26), Hayden 37* (28)

Over 8: A solitary single is conceded off the over. Ntini bowls a much better length.
Australia 64/0 (RR: 8.00): Gilchrist 28* (21), Hayden 36* (27)

Over 7: Six runs are conceded off the over. A much better over from Pollock.
Australia 63/0 (RR: 9.00): Gilchrist 27* (20), Hayden 36* (22)Over 6: A two and a single are scored off the second and fifth over. Gilchrist smashes the final delivery of the over airbourne through cover for a boundary.
Australia 57/0 (RR: 9.50): Gilchrist 27* (20), Hayden 30* (16)

Over 5: Hayden and Gilchrist are in red hot form. Hayden smashes a boundary through point. He then smashes the third delivery for six over cow corner. He then smashes a six over long-on. Hayden then cuts the fifth delivery down to third-man for a single.
Australia 50/0 (RR: 10.00): Gilchrist 23* (19), Hayden 27* (11)

Over 4: Ntini is really struggling at the start. This is the perfect pitch to bat on. Ntini starts well conceding a dot ball and a single. Gilchrist then smashes two consecutive boundaries. Ntini hits back with two dot balls.
Australia 33/0 (RR: 8.80): Gilchrist 23* (18), Hayden 10* (6)

Over 3: Australia are off to a flyer. Hayden hits the second ball of the over for a boundary past mid-on. He then sneaks a single. Gilchrist then cuts the ball and runs two. The last ball of the over is smashed through the covers for a boundary.
Australia 24/0 (RR: 8.80): Gilchrist 15* (14), Hayden 9* (4)

Over 2: Ntini bowls a loose over. Gilchrist smashes eight runs off the over. Gilchrist drives the second ball of the over past mid-on for a boundary. He then runs two as the ball races to backward of square-leg. The final ball is flicked off his pads past sqaure-leg.
Australia 13/0 (RR: 6.50): Gilchrist 9* (11), Hayden 4* (1)

Makhaya Ntini will share the new ball with Pollock.

Over 1: Pollock bowls four dot balls. Gilchrist then pushes the ball down to to mid-off for a single. Hayden times the ball to perfection back past the bowler for the first boundary of the innings.
Australia 5/0 (RR: 5.00): Gilchrist 1* (5), Hayden 4* (1)

Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden will open the batting for Australia. Shaun Pollock will open the bowling for South Africa.

Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor are the umpires.

Australia team: AC Gilchrist, ML Hayden, RT Ponting, MJ Clarke, A Symonds, MEK Hussey, SR Watson, GB Hogg, NW Bracken, SW Tait, GD McGrath.

South Africa team: GC Smith, AB de Villiers, JH Kallis, HH Gibbs, AG Prince, JM Kemp, MV Boucher, SM Pollock, AJ Hall, CK Langeveldt, M Ntini.

South Africa won the toss and elected to field first!

This is their first meeting since that fateful day at The Wanderers. It should be a cracker of a match with a lot of drama.

Both teams have arleady qualified for the Super Eights. The winner will take two points through to the next round.

Welcome to the mouth-watering Group A encounter between South Africa and Australia live from Warner Park, Basseterre in St Kitts. This is the final match of Group A. Warner Park looks packed to the rafters.