Australia Level After Thriller In Hobart

Australia took a thrilling five-run win in the second One Day International against South Africa in Hobart to level the five-match series at 1-1.

Needing 17 to reach a victory target of 250 in the final over, Mark Boucher (32 not out) and Albie Morkel (11 not out) managed 11 but it wasn't enough.

Shaun Marsh (78) and Ricky Ponting (64) were in the runs for Australia as Makhaya Ntini returned to South Africa's side with three wickets and although Jacques Kallis made 72 for the Proteas, they left themselves with too much to do at the death.

Tasmania's own Ben Hilfenhaus bowled the final over, picking up two for 60.

David Warner made his One Day International debut for Australia, only managing seven at the top of the order with other contributions coming from Mike Hussey (28), Brad Haddin (23) and David Hussey (19) as Ryan Harris also marked his debut with seven runs.

South Africa again missed chances in the field, dropping Marsh on 51 and Ponting twice, once on 10 and again when he had just passed his 66th ODI half-century.

Harris was more impressive with the ball, however, bowling Neil McKenzie for eight and running out AB de Villiers for 44 to end a period where South Africa were on top with Kallis and de Villiers together, as they put on 93 for the third wicket.

Earlier, Marsh faced 103 balls for his 78 with Ponting hitting seven fours in his 72-ball knock of 74. Dale Steyn and Kallis, who hit five fours in his half-century, picked up two wickets apiece.

The third match takes place in Sydney on January 23rd.

© Cricket World 2009