Makhaya Massacre

Ntini Makhaya has destroyed Australia in the second ODI match at Cape Town by claiming the great figures of 6/22. Australia capitulated for a disappointing 93 and went down to a rampant Proteas outfit by 196 runs. Ntini claimed the best ever ODI figures for a South Africa surpassing the great Alan Donald who held the record with 5/22.

Earlier Graeme Smith had won the toss and elected to bat. The decision was no surprise as the team batting first at Newlands has gone on to win 77% of the matches played. Smith and Boeta Dippenaar gave the South Africans a solid start, before a seemingly over confident Smith tried to hit the wrong ball and was comprehensively bowled by Stuart Clark for 24 (45/1) in the ninth over.

Dippenaar went shortly after also cleaned bowled; this time by Shane Watson for 31 (57/2). Herschelle Gibbs looked in fine touch and played many fine shots, but when he was dismissed, caught and bowled by Brad Hogg for a well made 66 (71 balls) Australia was well in the contest.

Hogg also claimed the dangerous Mark Boucher (42) and at 192/5 in the 39th over Australia was seemingly in the drivers seat.

The ‘muscle’ of the Proteas batting line up in Shaun Pollock and Justin Kemp totally changed the completion of proceedings. Pollock with two sixes smashed 38 in just 27 balls, but the real destroyer was Kemp who seemed to effortlessly launch four sixes in his undefeated 51 from just 41 balls.

The South African final total of 289/7 looked competitive rather than decisive, but than it became the Makhaya Ntini show as he decimated the Australia top order: Adam Gilchrist 1, Phil Jaques 0, Damien Martyn 4 and Michael Clarke 1. All fell to Ntini who bowled with genuine pace and wicked movement. At 7/4 the game seemed all but lost, and when Andre Nel chimed in with the wicket of Simon Katich for 16 (33/5) the game was finished as a contest.

The South Africa team also claimed some great catches the stand out was Justin Kemp who held onto a full blooded Pull shot from Michael Hussey while fielding in close. Nitini received great support with Shaun Pollock bowling very tightly 0-9 off seven overs and Nel claiming 3-30.

Adam Gilchrist the Aussie captain made no excuses admitting they were simply out-played. Australia now trail 2-0 in the five match series, and are hoping to turn things around in the third game on Sunday.

South Africa 289-7
Herschelle Gibbs 66, Justin Kemp 51*, Shaun Pollock 38
Shane Watson 2-46, Brad Hogg 2-48

South Africa won by 196 runs

Australia 93
Shane Watson 27, Mike Hussey 22
Makhaya Ntini 6-22, Andre Nel 3-30

Cricket Web Player of the Match
Makhaya Ntini (South Africa)