Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International series against the Proteas Women in Adelaide on Saturday.

Australia outclassed South Africa in every aspect of the game by claiming a comfortable eight-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval in the 1st ODI.

South Africa had a bat first and were dismissed for a dismal 105-runs in 31.3 overs. Only the seasoned allrounder, Marizanne Kapp, managed to put on a significant score with 50-runs before retiring hurt. Kapp got hit on the elbow with the ball when a fielder had a shy at the stumps.

It is confirmed that Kapp has a soft tissue injury and this will be a big concern for South Africa as she has been the form player on tour.

Apart from Kapp's good knock, the allrounder Nadine de Klerk scored 18-runs, while Chloe Tryon scored 10. No other batter was able to reach double figures.

Alana King was the pick of the Australian bowlers with a brilliant 3/19 in 4.3 overs, while Kim Garth took 2/18 in 6 overs. This was enough for Garth to earn the player of the match accolade.

The veteran Australian batter, Beth Mooney, played a classy innings of 52 not out off of 34 balls to steer the hosts to victory in 19 overs. The captain and wicketkeeper, Alyssa Healy, in her turn scored 19, while the allrounder, Ellyse Perry was unbeaten on 16.

Masabata Klaas was South Africa's best bowler with 1/22 in 5 overs and De Klerk took 1/19 in 4 overs.

The Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, said it was a tough day at the office, but they will reassess and focus on the positives going into the 2nd ODI.

“Very tough day at the office, after a good T20s,” said Wolvaardt.

“We needed better application with the bat early on. We could have done a lot better in a lot of things. Kappie batted well, need to chat about what worked for her, but losing her was not ideal. The seamers came out well and we have got to take positives and come back stronger.”

The 2nd ODI will be played on Wednesday in Sydney.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport