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Watson brings Australia closer to World T20 semis
Sunday September 30, 2012 08:19:58 PM,
IANS
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Colombo: Shane
Watson's brutal display of power-hitting ensured Australia an
eight wicket win over South Africa here Sunday and brought them
closer to a semifinal spot in the World Twenty20 tournament.
Watson (70 off 47 balls) carried on with the devastating form he
showed against India and with help of the experienced Michael
Hussey (45 not out), got the team home in 17.4 overs. Earlier,
South Africa recovered to make 146 for five after Australia opted
to chase in a crucial Super Eight contest at the Premadasa
Stadium.
Australia are on the brink of making the last four after two
victories in as many matches while South Africa suffered their
second successive loss.
Watson produced another scorcher after the 42-ball 72 against the
Indians Friday.
South African speedsters Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were on top
of Watson and his opening partner David Warner (5) at the start of
the chase. But once the star all-rounder cut loose, he was
unstoppable.
Watson smashed eight fours and two massive sixes in his
breathtaking knock. He got to his fifty by pulling one off Wayne
Parnell over deep square leg in the 10th over. Three balls later,
Parnell dropped Watson while fielding for Robin Peterson at deep
square leg.
The 31-year-old was finally caught in the deep off Peterson with
Australia needing 38 off the last six overs.
Up till now a spectator to the Watson show, Hussey took on the
bowlers and got his side over the line alongside Cameron White (21
not out).
Earlier, Australia meant business after sending South Africa in.
Xavier Doherty (3/20), playing his first game of the tournament,
took no time in making his presence felt. He bowled a clueless
Richard Levi (0) in the match's opening over before dismissing
Jacques Kallis (6) with a typical left-arm spinner delivery. The
ball turned enough to induce a slight edge off Kallis' bat which
was taken by the wicket-keeper, leaving South Africa at eight for
two in the third over.
Things got worse for South Africa as they were reeling at 86 for
five by the 15th over when captain de Villers (21) departed after
slapping one straight to his counterpart George Bailey at extra
cover.
It was only in the last five overs that the Proteas got a move-on.
Peterson (32 n.o.) was at his innovative best, entertaining the
crowd with a couple of reverse sweeps. Farhaan Behardien (31 n.o.)
struggled to use the long handle but did well to support Peterson.
J.P. Duminy (30) was another one who made a vital contribution.
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