No sweat for Australia

NEWLANDS – Australia cruised home to their victory target of 95 with no sweat to win the first test against South Africa by seven wickets at Sahara Park Newlands on Saturday.

Makhaya Ntini struck late in the day to take three wickets in five balls but by then Australia were in sight of victory, but at least South Africa did not sink to a 10-wicket thrashing. A fluent opening stand of 71 between Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer set Australia on their way, although Hayden had a charmed life against spinner Nicky Boje.Australia, chasing 95 to win, went fearlessly to 24 without loss at tea on the third day of the first test against South Africa at Sahara Park Newlands.Australia were left with an unchallenging target for victory after they bowled South Africa out for 197, Shane Warne teaming up with Stuart Clark to wrap up the tail.Jacques Rudolph, who had batted positively in stroking six fours in his 41, left his bat in the line of a big turner from Warne and played on, while Nicky Boje, who was getting on top of Warne with three quick boundaries, was out as soon as Clark came back on, prodding a return catch.-SupercricketA fluent opening stand of 71 between Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer set Australia on their way, although Hayden had a charmed life against spinner Nicky Boje.Australia, chasing 95 to win, went fearlessly to 24 without loss at tea on the third day of the first test against South Africa at Sahara Park Newlands.Australia were left with an unchallenging target for victory after they bowled South Africa out for 197, Shane Warne teaming up with Stuart Clark to wrap up the tail.Jacques Rudolph, who had batted positively in stroking six fours in his 41, left his bat in the line of a big turner from Warne and played on, while Nicky Boje, who was getting on top of Warne with three quick boundaries, was out as soon as Clark came back on, prodding a return catch.-Supercricket