Australia snap losing streak

Australia snapped a three-game losing streak, on the back of Damien Martyn's third one day century, with a 27-run victory over South Africa in their triangular series limited overs match on Sunday.

Australia, who made 241 for four batting first thanks to Martyn's unbeaten 104, got their first points of the competition after losing their opening three matches of the series, which includes New Zealand.

Neil McKenzie made 68 in South Africa's 214 all out in 48.4 overs, adding 77 for the third wicket with Jacques Kallis (37) before Kallis was out at 126 for three and Jonty Rhodes (2) fell three overs later in the 32nd over at 135 for four.

Glenn McGrath and Andrew Symonds took seven wickets between them for Australia.

All-rounder Symonds, who had Rhodes caught behind, removed wicketkeeper Mark Boucher with a spectacular caught and bowled for 10 then claimed South Africa captain Shaun Pollock caught at deep square leg for 18 at 191 for seven in the 44th over.

Andrew Bichel then bowled the hard-hitting Lance Klusener for 16 off 17 balls at 199 for eight in the 46th over before McGrath, who removed openers Herschelle Gibbs (18) and Gary Kirsten (22), bowled Nicky Boje (1) and Claude Langeveldt to give Australia their first win of the competition.

Earlier, Martyn and Ricky Ponting added 171 in 187 balls for the third wicket as Australia recovered from losing openers Mark Waugh (15) and Matthew Hayden (10) with only 29 runs on the board.

Australia captain Steve Waugh made 22 not out in a 36-run stand with Martyn for the fifth wicket in six overs.

The seventh match in the 12-game round-robin series is on Tuesday when Australia host South Africa in Sydney.

Scorecard | Images

Also read:
- 5th ODI: Cairns powers Kiwis to victory
- 4th ODI: Kiwis hand Aussies third straight loss
- 3rd ODI: South Africa surge to top of standings
- 2nd ODI: South Africa make it double agony for Australia
- 1st ODI: Kiwis score upset victory over Australia

Mail Cricket Editor