A MARVELLOUS knock from Beth Mooney at the top of the order helped Australia to a big eight-wicket win over South Africa in the first T20 of the series. South Africa batted first and posted 6/147 from its 20 overs before the Australians were able to reach the target with five balls to spare.

Just about every South African batter made a double-figure score, but only one really went on to make something of their innings.

That was Tazmin Brits, who smacked six fours and two sixes on her way to 59 not out. She was truly the linchpin of the South African innings, opening the batting with Laura Wolvaardt and still being there at the end as the wickets continued to fall pretty regularly. The biggest partnership of the entire innings with the 43 run one between Brits and Sune Luus.

Meanwhile for the Australians, top of the wicket taking list was Darcie Brown and Ellyse Perry who both picked up two wickets. Georgia Wareham was the other wickettaker with one to her name.

In reply, the Australians got off to a great start with Mooney and Alyssa Healy putting together a 72-run opening stance before Healy fell. The runs kept coming as Mooney and Tahlia McGrath put on another 65-run stance for the second wicket, so by the time McGrath fell there was not too much left for Mooney and Perry to do.

Mooney smashed 11 fours and a six on her way to 72 not out, while Healy also had a good innings, with six fours and two sixes in her 46.

Meanwhile for South Africa the wickettakers were Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk.

South Africa did not have to wait loo long to get some revenge on yesterday’s result, with game two of the series getting underway this morning.