adminto a one-run victory over South Africa A in a nail-biting finish at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
For the first time in the series the Australian batsmen, who had not chased a target of over 160 runs in their last three matches in the tournament, were put to the test after South Africa A had won the toss and put on 298/7 on the board.
Man-of-the-match Mitchell Marsh, who also led the Australian bowling with 2-15 in his five overs, spurred on the chase with a top contribution of 72 runs from 73 deliveries before falling victim to Craig Alexander. Vice captain Callum Ferguson (66) came in handy with a quality half century.
Tail-enders Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland then the their nerve to add 23 runs from 20 balls in a crucial last wicket stand after the Australians had found themselves cornered at 275/9 with less than four overs remaining.
Lyon (14) who was dropped in the last over then slogged a big six over the deep square leg boundary for the winning runs as the Australians reached 303/9, and snatched a narrow victory with one ball remaining, to send a small crowd of Zimbabweans at Harare Sports Club into delirium. Australia A were already in the final and have now beaten both teams twice.
Their victory boosted Zimbabwe XI’s slim chances of making the final as the hosts now need to beat South Africa A and earn a bonus point in their last round robin match today.
South Africa A, however, have an edge since they have four points from the one run victory over winless Zimbabwe XI last Saturday.
They could have sealed their place in the final yesterday when captain Jacques Rudolph won the toss and elected to bat. The South Africa A batsmen did not disappoint as they reached 298/7 in 50 overs, which was the highest score by any team in the tournament.
Rudolph once again led from the front with a business-like 90 runs from 102 balls.
He was involved in a strong opening partnership of 123 runs with Jonathan Vandier (60) before the latter was dismissed in a run out.
Rudolph then teamed up with Rilee Rossouw (52) for the second wicket which yielded 64 runs.
His innings, which included seven fours and a six, came to an end when he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Tim Paine of the bowling of Steve O’Keefe. Rory Kleinveldt (13) and Roelof van der Merwe signed off with some big hits to ensure South Africa had a big total to defend.
But Australia were on top of their game in reply despite losing opener David Warner (22) in the sixth over with 37 runs on the scoreboard.
Aaron Finch (39), Marsh and Ferguson kept them in the game with crucial contributions.
South African bowlers kept pressing and they swung the game in their favour when Starc and Ferguson, who carried the team’s hopes as the last recognised batsmen, were removed in quick succession in the 47th over, to leave the responsibility in the hands of Lyon and Copeland.
South Africa A Bowlers Vernon Philander and Craig Alexander took three wickets each and Rory Kleinveldt finished with two.
Online Reporter