Australia survive Klusener onslaught

Australia survived a brutal onslaught with the bat from South Africa's Lance Klusener to claim victory by 19 runs in the first one-day international at the Wanderers on Friday.

In reply to Australia's 223 for eight, South Africa were bowled out for 204 in 44.4 overs but all-rounder Klusener threatened to turn the game on its head with a violent 83 from just 77 balls.

He came to the crease with the home side reeling at 66 for six but came close to pulling off a remarkable win for South Africa as he clubbed eight fours and two sixes before being caught by Ian Harvey off the pace of Glenn McGrath.

Earlier, Australia opener Adam Gilchrist made a positive start, continuing where he left off in the recent test series between the two sides with some brisk scoring.

Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden reached their 50-partnership off the second ball of the 12th over before Makhaya Ntini made the breakthrough for South Africa with the next ball.

Ntini bowled superbly, beginning with two maiden overs and then a wicket in his third over before finishing with three for 24.

Ntini had Gilchrist caught at mid on by Nicky Boje for 37, scored off 44 balls and featuring seven fours.

Hayden was the next to fall in the 17th over for 27 after Jonty Rhodes took a spectacular diving catch at square leg off the bowling of Jacques Kallis.

Australia dipped to 86 for three, with Ntini striking again with the wicket of Ricky Ponting, who attempted to hook a delivery and was caught at deep square leg by Boje for 14.

Damien Martyn (24) and Darren Lehmann (37) steadied the innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 63 runs.

But their stand ended at 149 when Lehmann was caught behind by Mark Boucher off Roger Telemachus and nobody could dominate after that.

Scoreboard

Mail Cricket Editor