Manchester,
Opener David Warner’s (122) century followed by stumper Alex Carey valiant (85 off 69) was not enough to help Australia overhaul the 325-run target against South Africa in their last group affair at the World Cup 2019 here on Saturday.
The Proteans had the last laugh in the affair as their bowlers rose to the occasion and their discipline effort restricted the defending champions and tournament favourites at 310. Kasigo Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/56.
Chasing the target, Australia lost in-form opener Aaron Finch early with just five runs on board and things went worse for them as the Aussies as they lost Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis (22) and Glen Maxwell (12).
Warner kept one end intact but lacked support from the other end before Carey stepped up to show his class. Warner fell in the 40th over but Carey kept Australia’s hope alive however, he too departed in the 46th over as the defending champions lost the affair by a meagre 10 runs.
Earlier, South Africa rode a super batting effort from their top order to post a challenging 325/6 in the last round-robin league match of the 2019 ICC World Cup against defending champions Australia here on Saturday.