South Africa Falter as Australia Dominate After Tough Fight | Klusener Brilliant Counterattack

Cricket

Year2026

Duration17m

Watch Now

7.6

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @cricketmax87   Australia kicked off the ODI series with a hard-fought 19-run win in Ricky Ponting’s first match as one-day captain. Batting first, Australia posted 223/8 on a tricky pitch: Adam Gilchrist (37 off 32) gave a flying start before falling to Ntini. Darren Lehmann also scored 37, while Martyn (24) and Bevan (18) chipped in. Makhaya Ntini (3/24 in 10 overs) bowled a brilliant spell to restrict Australia. Jonty Rhodes produced a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Hayden and a direct hit run-out to remove Bevan. South Africa’s chase faltered at 23/3, with Jason Gillespie (3/34) removing Gibbs, Kirsten and Kallis in a fiery opening burst. At 93/7, the game looked gone — but then Lance Klusener turned back the clock. Klusener (83 off 77, 8 fours, 3 sixes) smashed the bowlers, farming the strike in a brilliant counterattack. He found support from Nicky Boje (25) in a 71-run 8th-wicket stand. Brett Lee’s sharp fielding run-out of Boje proved decisive, before Klusener finally holed out in the 49th over, ending South Africa’s fight at 204 all out. Australia went 1-0 up, but South Africa had Klusener’s fireworks as consolation. 🏏 Man of the Match: Jason Gillespie ⏱️ Key Moments Gilchrist’s explosive start, 26 runs off Telemachus’ first 3 overs Ntini’s fiery spell: 3/24 in 10 overs Jonty Rhodes brilliance: flying catch + run-out Gillespie’s opening burst removes Gibbs, Kirsten & Kallis South Africa slump to 93/7 Klusener’s 83 off 77 – a vintage counterattack Brett Lee’s direct hit runs out Boje Klusener last man out – Australia win by 19 runs #ausvssa #cricketmax #cricketmax #thriller