Australia have defeated South Africa in the second International T20 by 7 wickets, levelling the three-match series 1-1 at the MCG on Friday night.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat on a beautiful Melbourne pitch that looked packed full of runs. The Aussies bowled well and restricted the tourists to 7/101 off 20 overs. Australia chased down the total, easily reaching the mark with 7 wickets and 7 overs in hand.
James Faulkner bowled with good pace and variation, picking up 3-wickets for 25 runs from is 4 overs. Faulkner removed danger-man Rilee Rossouw for 12.
Rossouw started very well, finding the middle early. Faulkner bowled a clever back-of-the-hand slower ball, took an athletic catch from his own bowling and Rossouw was back in the pavilion.
Wrist-spinner Cameron Boyce bowled bravely, tossing the ball up and continually encouraging the batsmen. He was rewarded with an incredibly tight 2/15 from his 4 overs that included two stumpings in a man-of-the-match performance.
South African captain JP Duminy played some sublime shots in a cameo performance of 49 runs from 51 balls for the visitors. Hitting 3 boundaries and 1 six, Duminy ran out of time and was caught chasing runs as he holed out to Finch on the boundary off the bowling of Faulkner.
Captain Aaron Finch looked to make light work of the run-chase with opening partner Ben Dunk as the two raced to 27 from of the first 3 overs.
Dunk went down swinging on 23(20), timing a good shot straight to the fielder from the bowling of Parnell.
Shane Watson came to the crease and picked up where Dunk left off. Hitting 5 boundaries, the all-rounder was enjoying time in the middle after his recent return from injury.
Watson started well in the series opener but gave up his wicket and the same could be said for this innings. He smashed a lofted drive to Parnell at mid-off for 30(23).
Australia was boosted by the return of Glenn Maxwell to the T20 side although the small target meant his services were not required. He tried to smash a ball down Punt Road to finish the innings but was caught by Rossouw moving around from gully for a duck.
Cameron White finished off the innings, taking the series to a decider in Sydney on Sunday.
