AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AFRICA

At Perth, January 16. South Africa won by 82 runs. Toss: Australia. International debut: D. W. Fleming.

South Africa continued their last-gasp push to the finals, this time at Australia's expense, bowling them out for 126 to take their net run-rate past that of New Zealand. The day had not started well for South Africa, with Peter Kirsten suffering a broken cheekbone after the grille of his helmet was hit by a McGrath bouncer. But his brother's 55 and solid contributions down the order lifted the total to 208.

To the delight of a record Perth crowd, local man Zoehrer, deputising for the injured Healy, kept wicket well in his first international for nearly seven years; he caught Gary Kirsten and brought off a smart stumping. Only Taylor, captain for the day (Border was 12th man), and Steve Waugh reached 20, and substitute McMillan took three catches.

Man of the Match: D. J. Callaghan. Attendance: 28,223.