\n<\/p>\n
T20 World Cup, Group 1, Edgbaston <\/b><\/p>\n
Australia 172-8 (20 overs): <\/b>Litchfield 50 (24), Perry 36 (26); Mlaba 2-22<\/p>\n
South Africa 107 (16.4 overs): <\/b>Wolvaardt 44 (39); Wareham 3-13<\/p>\n
Australia won by 65 runs<\/i><\/p>\n
Scorecard<\/a> Tables<\/a><\/p>\n Australia opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a 65-run victory over fellow contenders South Africa to lay down an early marker in Group One.<\/b><\/p>\n With 50-over champions India also in this pool, making a tough battle for the two semi-final spots likely, Australia struck an early blow by fighting to 172-8 and confidently defending the total.<\/p>\n They removed Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk in the first seven overs and applied the squeeze as Laura Wolvaardt attempted a rebuild with Marizanne Kapp.<\/p>\n Australia had dropped De Klerk in the powerplay but two interventions in the field from Georgia Wareham, who also took 3-13 and contributed an important 32, proved decisive.<\/p>\n She ran out the dangerous all-rounder Kapp for 12 with an accurate throw from the deep and then took a smart low catch at cover to see off Wolvaardt for 44.<\/p>\n Afterwards, Australia clinically knocked over the lower order to dismiss the Proteas, who have reached the past three world finals across formats, for 107<\/p>\n Australia, in their first tournament under new captain Sophie Molineux, were below their best with the bat, losing regular wickets, but their impressive depth meant they still posted a testing score.<\/p>\n Wareham’s knock came after 50 from Phoebe Litchfield. Ellyse Perry also contributed 36.<\/p>\n South Africa may now have to beat India when the sides meet on Sunday, 21 June on the same ground.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n