Australia claimed an eight-wicket victory in the first women’s ODI against the Proteas at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Beth Mooney, with an unbeaten 52* off 34 deliveries, featuring nine fours, played a crucial role in Australia chasing down South Africa’s total of 105-9 after Marizanne Kapp (50* off 58 balls) was forced to leave the pitch injured after being struck on the left arm before Alana King took 3-19.
After winning the toss and electing to set a score, Australia’s seamers, Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry, quickly dismissed Laura Wolvaardt (four) and Tazmin Brits (one).
Kim Garth (2-18) then removed Anneke Bosch without scoring, leaving South Africa on 9-3 in the eighth over.
Despite the early setbacks, Kapp and Suné Luus (six) steadied the ship, taking their side to 34-3 in the 13th over before Annabel Sutherland claimed Australia’s fourth wicket.
Chloé Tryon (10) and Kapp added a further 22 runs before Tryon was caught out in the deep attempting a lofted shot off Ashleigh Gardner.
With South Africa struggling at 56-5, Kapp displayed resilience, guiding the team to 77-5 at the halfway mark before reaching her 13th ODI fifty. Unfortunately, while completing her second run to bring up her half-century, Kapp was hit by a ball en route to the stumps and wicketkeeper, forcing her to retire hurt.
Following Kapp’s departure, King made an immediate impact, trapping Sinalo Jafta (nought) and Nadine de Klerk (18) lbw. Garth and King then wrapped up the innings with the dismissals of Nonkululeko Mlaba (nought) and Ayabonga Khaka (three).
In their chase, Australia’s openers Alyssa Healy (19) and Phoebe Litchfield (12) built a 38-run stand before Masabata Klaas (1-22) dismissed Litchfield.
De Klerk (1-19) soon found the top-edge of Healy, and Jafta took a comfortable catch behind the stumps, reducing Australia to 42-2.
With 64 runs still needed for victory, Perry (16*) and Mooney formed a match-winning half-century stand for the third wicket, guiding Australia to a comfortable win with Mooney reaching her 15th ODI fifty with a winning four.
The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday at the North Sydney Oval (5:40am).
Photo: Sarah Reed/Getty Images
