Australia continued their unbeaten start to the Women's World Cup with a three-wicket win over South Africa in Cuttack on Sunday.
South Africa made 9-188 after electing to bat before Australia, who defeated Pakistan in their opening match, reached the target with 26 balls to spare.
Rachael Haynes starred for Australia with 83 off 108 deliveries, while Lisa Sthalekar (29 off 45) and skipper Jodie Fields (21 off 36) also proved valuable with the bat.
Shabnim Ismail offered resistance with figures of 4-41 from 10 overs, though her efforts were in vain as South Africa failed to bounce back from an opening loss to New Zealand.
The South Africans were put under pressure early on following the loss of Yolandi Potgieter for a duck off Ellyse Perry in the opening over.
Mignon du Preez followed for a golden duck in Perry's second over before Trisha Chetty and Marizanne Kapp steadied the ship for South Africa with a superb 122-run partnership.
Chetty was eventually caught off Haynes for 59 off 94 balls, while Kapp was caught off Megan Schutt for 61 off 102.
South Africa then lost 4-45 as Australia assumed a commanding position.
Perry finished with 3-35 off 10 overs, while Schutt claimed 2-42 and Haynes (1-6), Sthalekar (1-39) and Erin Osborne (1-35) took one wicket apiece.
Australia slumped to 3-34 in reply in the 11th over before Haynes, Sthalekar and Fields combined to ensure a comfortable victory.
The Southern Stars, who have now qualified for the Super Six stage, face New Zealand in their final group game on Tuesday.
First Posted 03 February, 2013 10:15PM AEST
