Australia has won its first one-day international cricket match against South Africa, after a superb partnership between Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke.

The Aussies won the rain-delayed match by 93 runs.

Lucy Emlyn-Jones reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Australians weren’t deterred by the wet conditions, which reduced play to just 28 overs for each side.

Australian captains, past and present, combined at the crease to provide a first innings partnership of 102 runs.

Ricky Ponting made 63 from 77 balls, a feat Michael Clarke predicted before the start of the match.

Michael Clarke Australian Cricket Captain: “I think he’s just on the brink of having one of the best series of his career. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets man of the series in the one-dayers and is a lead run scorer in the test series.”

Australia reached 4 for 183, but that was readjusted because of the rain delays, and South Africa were left with the difficult target of 223 from their 28 overs.

Pat Cummins on debut for Australia, joined Mitchell Johnson to bowl South Africa out in the 22nd over for 129.

In boxing, Anthony Mundine has won the World Boxing Association interim world light middleweight title in Newcastle.

The unanimous decision over Rigoberto Alveraz paves the way for a potential fight with undefeated American Austin Trout.

However, Mundine doesn’t think he’ll get to fight in the U.S because of his comment in 2001 that the U.S brought the September 11 attacks on itself.

Anthony Mundine, Professional Boxer: “I want any name out there. That’s what I want, an opportunity. They are black listing me.”

Finally to the Rubgy World Cup, and the Wallabies disappointing loss to the All Blacks may prove to be a blessing in disguise with key players keen to stick around for another shot in 2015.

Kurtley Beale and Digby Ioane are among a batch of players who are already looking forward to the event in England in four years time.

The Wallabies will take on Wales in the bronze medal game on Friday night.

Lucy Emlyn-Jones QUT News.