With another challenging target to reach, Australia have continued their dream run in the Women’s World Cup with yet another second-innings masterclass. Meg Lanning was the architect for the Southern Stars’ sixth consecutive win, as the clean record for the Proteas came to an end.

South Africa had posted an excellent total of 271/5 at halftime, and had the early advantage when Shabnim Ismail dismissed the dangerous Alyssa Healy for just 1.

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However, they were made to work hard for their wickets thereafter, as a stunning catch from Mignon du Preez sent back Rachael Haynes. Even though they were two down in 11 overs, Lanning led the counterattack with regular hits to the boundary. 

Frequent loose deliveries from SA were helpful, and she took a particular liking to seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, who got her first game of the tournament. She would reach another sparkling half-century in the 19th over.

At this point, SA were desperate for an opening, as Beth Mooney proved to be a very handy complement for Lanning. 

Fortunately, a direct hit from Sekhukhune at square leg found Mooney well short of the crease, and the Proteas continued to believe.

Fielding errors proved very costly, with Sune Luus dropping a catch off her own bowling being one of a few more that came. Lanning’s already superb knock blossomed into her 15th ODI ton and her 10th during a chase. 

Meanwhile, Tahlia McGrath had her second reprieve when Lizelle Lee failed to hold on to a catch at gully. The pair added 93 runs, and that was the stand that all but took away the game from SA.

In the end, the Australian batting depth was too powerful for a Proteas bowling unit that fought hard for much of the game. Cameos from Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland helped mop up the remainder of the target and win the game with just under 5 overs to spare.

The Proteas will play the West Indies on Wednesday, and the aim will be to swiftly bounce back from today’s loss. The batting may have clicked, but the bowling and fielding weaknesses were brutally exposed today. At the same time, Australia’s dominance has never wavered and their unrelenting all-round effort prevailed today.

SA 271/5 in 50 overs

AUS 272/5 in 45.2 overs (Lanning 135* – Ismail 7-1-33-2)