Australia A look to dominate South Africa A

Chennai, Aug 11 - Australia A, having won all their three games so far in the 50-over tri-series also involving India A, would look to continue their dominance against South Africa A when they meet at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium here on Wednesday.

In the last game against India A on Monday, Australia clinched a thriller beating the hosts by three wickets and nine balls to spare to qualify for the finals.

South Africa, on the other hand, have lost both their games they played in. In their last contest against India A on Sunday, as many as 10 South African players had to be hospitalised for food poisoning and the game was rescheduled for Wednesday.

Usman Khawaja has led the Australian outfit well, with his willow also doing much of the talking. The left-handed opener has been impressive with his shot selection and footwork.

Fast-bowler Gurinder Sandhu and tweaker Ashton Agar has been the pick of the bowlers for Australian A. They have been aptly supported by pacer James Pattinson.

South Africa A have lacked fire power both in their batting and bowling. After a dismal first match against Australia A, they put up a much better performance against the Indians with Quinton de Kock and Dane Vilas getting amongst runs.

But the bowling outfit needs to pull up their socks if they want to remain alive in the series. Their pacemen and spinners have both failed to hit the right length and line and were smacked all over the park in the last two outings.

However, with the quality of young talents on both sides, the contest promises to be an enthralling one.

(IANS)