A CAPTAIN’S knock from Laura Wolvaardt has helped South Africa create history and notch its first-ever win on Australian soil yesterday.

The tourists got over the line by six wickets at Manuka Oval, chasing down Australia’s 20-over total of 6/142 with six balls to spare.

After electing to bat, the hosts’ 27-run opening stand was a sign of things to come, as substantial partnerships proved hard to come by. The second-wicket stance of 31 was the largest of the innings with wickets falling at regular intervals.

Grace Harris was the pick of the batters for Australia with a quickfire 31 from 18 balls to end the innings unbeaten, while captain Alyssa Healy made 29 atop the order.

Meanwhile for South Africa, Masabata Klaas snared 2-16, while Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba each picked up a wicket each.

South African then made a very competitive start to its chase, when Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits put on a 75-run opening partnership in just under 10 overs.

The touring skipper carried her bat for 58 off 53, while Brits was dismissed for 41 (28) with over half the required runs amassed. They combined for 14 boundaries in the successful chase.

Ash Gardner led the Australian defence with 2-26, while Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath also featured in the wickets column with one apiece.

With the series now evenly poised at 1-1, the deciding match will take place at Bellerive Oval tomorrow night. The two sides will then play off in a trio of ODIs before capping off the tour with a Test in Perth.