Australia vs South Africa: Quick Flicks of the day

A lot of fireworks were expected from this highly anticipated game between two heavyweights of the game. A close encounter was the least people expected. But as it turned out, Australia steam rolled the Proteas to register their second win from two games in the Super 8s. Australia seemed spot on from the start and South Africa never looked like they could surprise their nemesis. Here are some of the gripping moments of the day.

Welcome Xavier: The wicket of R.Premadasa stadium welcomed Xavier with stretched out hands. He started the proceedings for Australia and cleaned up Richard Levi in the very first over. He went on to pick crucial wickets of Jacques Kallis and Jean Paul Duminy and returned with figures of 3 for 20 from his quota of 4 overs.

Amla’s shocker: Hashim Amla, often likened to Rahul Dravid for his composure and his text book play, was dismissed when he attempted to play what I can only describe as an ugly shot. Amla walked across to a short delivery from Shane Watson, misjudged the pace and tried to pull the ball too early, only to give a dolly to wicket keeper Matthew Wade.

Shane Watson, you beauty: It’s hard to think of new things to write about this man’s performances. Every game he turns up and finishes with an all round performance. This time around, he picked up a couple of wickets and scored 70 off just 47 deliveries. He now has scored 234 runs in 4 games and already has 10 wickets in the tournament.

60-run stand: Farhaan Behardien and Robin Peterson put on 60 runs off just 29 deliveries for the sixth wicket that helped take their total to a respectable 146. In the end it was still not enough to beat an in-form Australia.

The Dreadful ‘C’ Word: South Africa have been unbelievably inconsistent in the tournament. They seemed like the team to beat in the group stages but they seem to have lost it after entering the super 8s. Two losses in two games and they are staring at the exit door. More than the defeats, it’s the way they’ve lost that will hurt them the most. They had everything in them to seal a victory against Pakistan before Umar Gul decided to show up at the batting crease. This game against Australia was one where they were second best throughout. I hate to use it but, they seem to be choking all over again.