South Africa played against Australia in the first warm up match before the world cup 2011. Australia didn’t have a great start in the match and both openers went out without scoring runs. Captain R Ponting who scored half century in the last match once again scored a half century. V Captain M Clarke also came back in the form and he also scored half century and pulled the Australian team out of trouble up to some extent.

No other Australian batsmen able to score more runs and they went out after getting starts. Australian team got all out after scoring just 217 runs in 48th over. It was not a big total for Australia to defend against South Africa. DW Steyn and RJ Peterson got three wickets each.

The start of the South African inning was good. Both openers scored half centuries. They were retired hurt after scoring half centuries. South Africa just lost a wicket of F du Plessis and they won the match comfortably by 9 wickets. JP Duminy also scored 47 runs and he was looking good while batting.

The warm up match sets the tone for the world cup. Australia after winning 6-1 against England lost both warm up matches. It is a real concern for Australian team.

Tags: M Clarke, R Ponting, South Africa