SA A lost the second four-day match against Australia by 10 wickets in Townsville on Tuesday.
The South Africans went into the fourth and final day on 18-1, still trailing the Australians by 80 runs. Surviving the day’s play for a draw was going to be the only option for the tourists.
A 47-run stand between Dean Elgar (35) and Omphile Ramela (25) had their side believing that they could battle it out, but wickets fell regularly throughout after that in what was another disappointing batting display. Dane Vilas was the top scorer with 36, as they were bowled out for 180, handing Australia just 85 runs for victory.
They had over 20 overs to finish off the job, but Cameron Bancroft (35) and Kurtis Patterson (50) decided to rub salt in the wound by completing the match in 15 overs as they went at just under six runs an over.
It allowed the hosts to win the series 2-0 – a very discouraging conclusion for South Africa considering they had eight players in their side with Test experience, compared to just one (Glenn Maxwell) from Australia’s side.
The sides now move on to the quadrangular series involving India and a National Performance Squad, with South Africa kicking things off against the NPS side on Saturday.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
