South Africa v Australia, 2005-06
South Africa v Australia, 2005-06
Neil Manthorp
15-Apr-2007
At Port Elizabeth, March 5, 2006. Australia won by 24 runs. Toss: South Africa.
Ponting's return from injury had an immediate impact: he hit the top score for Australia in an
efficient, rather than spectacular, victory that kept his side in the series. Although not at his most
fluent, he clearly brought composure to his team. He and Martyn hit measured fifties, but Katich
almost became the anchor that dragged down the ship, spending 80 balls over 49 on a decent
pitch. However, clever hitting in the final overs forced the total past 250. At 69 for five in the
21st over, South Africa were out of the contest - or so it seemed. But de Villiers and Pollock,
both striking the ball impeccably, concocted 119 for the sixth wicket, and the improbable seemed
possible with 71 required from eight overs. Then Pollock was beaten for pace and de Villiers
spectacularly caught by Hogg, leaping backwards on the long-on boundary. Telemachus, back in
the side after three and a half years, smashed three sixes in a 13-ball 29, but Lee's bowling was
fast enough and precise enough.
Man of the Match: B. Lee. Attendance: 16,974.
Neil Manthorp is a South African broadcaster and journalist, and head of the MWP Sport agency