adminMorne Morkel claimed a career best 5-21 as South Africa levelled their one-day series against Australia with a three-wicket win in the second ODI in Perth.Australia were bowled out for 154 with only Mitch Marsh (67) providing any resistance after hostile bowling from pacemen Morkel and Dale Steyn (3-35).
The Proteas made hard work of chasing the total as Josh Hazlewood took 5-31.
But AB de Villiers (48) steadied South Africa’s nerves before David Miller saw them over the line with an unbeaten 22.
Australia, captained by George Bailey in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke, won the toss and elected to bat.
However, after compiling 300-8 in the first ODI which they won by 32 runs, the Australians struggled to reach half of that total at the WACA.
Openers David Warner and Aaron Finch departed early and although Marsh and skipper Bailey (25) batted patiently, the target was never likely to trouble South Africa.
The tourists looked to be cruising home at 113-3 with Rilee Rossouw (30) dominating the home attack before seamer Hazlewood ensured a few late jitters when he removed Faf du Plessis and Farhaan Behardien in successive deliveries.
But South Africa skipper De Villiers took them within striking distance of the target before Miller completed the job in the 28th over.
South Africa’s victory squared the five-match series at 1-1 with the sides set to meet again in the third ODI in Canberra on Wednesday. — BBC
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