Haynes steers Australia to victory

Opener Rachael Haynes cracked a strokeful half century to guide Australia to a three-wicket victory over South Africa in a Group ‘B’ match of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Sunday.

Haynes’s knock of 83 came off 108 balls.

She anchored the Australian run chase after South Africa, electing to bat first, posted 188 for nine.

Haynes batted sensibly and starred in two important partnerships, with Lisa Sthalekar and Jodie Fields for the fourth and five wickets, to take Australia to 150 before falling to Shabnim Ismail in the 37th over.

Ismail came up with a four-wicket haul and was supported well by Susan Benade, who snapped a couple of wickets. However, they still could not restrict the Australian eves.

Earlier, Trisha Chetty (59) and Marizanne Kapp (61) hit half centuries for South Africa.

For Australia, Ellyse Perry snapped three wickets, Megan Schutt took a couple and Erin Osborne, Sthalekar and Haynes scalped one each.

The scores: South Africa 188 for nine 50 overs (Marizanne Kapp 61, Trisha Chetty 59, Shandre Fritz 24 n.o., Ellyse Perry three for 35, Megan Schutt two for 42) lost to Australia 190 for seven in 45.4 overs (Rachael Haynes 83, Lisa Sthalekar 29, Jodie Fields 21, Erin Osborne 20 n.o., Shabnim Ismail four for 41, Susan Benade two for 38).