COLOMBO: Shane Watson continued his impressive form with both bat and ball as Australia cruised to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory against South Africa in their Super Eights match in the World Twenty20 on Sunday.
Watson picked up two wickets for 29 with the ball and then cracked 70 off just 47 balls for his fourth consecutive Man-of-the-Match award in as many games.
Chasing 147 for victory, Australia lost opener David Warner early but Watson snubbed South Africa’s hopes of victory with a 99-run stand for the second wicket with left-hander Mike Hussey (45 not out).
The all-rounder, who is now both the highest scorer and wicket-taker in the tournament, hit eight boundaries and two massive sixes during his knock before he was out caught by Wayne Parnell off left-arm spinner Robin Peterson.
“Nice to be able to continue to play well. I know how important my role is. It’s still a hell of a long way to go and I want to continue,” Watson said after the match.
Australia’s left – arm spinner Xavier Doherty, playing his first match of the tournament, picked up three wickets for 20 to put South Africa on the back foot after Australia had opted to field first.
Doherty dismissed opener Richard Levi and Jacques Kallis in his first two overs and later took the wicket of Jean-Paul Duminy (30) as South Africa struggled for momentum.
Peterson (32 not out) and Farhaan Behardien (31 not out) added 60 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket to help their team reach 14 6 for five.
Australia have now won both their Super Eight games while South Africa are on the brink of elimination having lost both their matches.
Proteas’ captain AB de Villiers expressed his disappointment, but said his side will bounce back in their last Super Eights game against India.
“Very disappointed. I just can’t put my finger on one thing, it went wrong everywhere,” he said.
“Watson is a class player. But, it’s not all doom and gloom, hopefully we’ll win on Tuesday.” (Reuters)