Related Links : Australia’s Tour of South Africa 2011/12 : Scorecard of South Africa Vs Australia, 2nd Test at Johannesburg
Australia pulled off a thrilling 2-wicket win in the second and final Test at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg to force a 1-1 draw in the Test Series. Needing 168 runs with 7 wickets in hand, Australia got to the target of 310 in the final session of the fifth day’s play. South Africa bounced back in the game taking wickets at regular intervals but the Aussie lower order held their nerve to wrap up the match.
Overnight batsmen Michael Clarke (2) and Ricky Ponting (62 from 138 balls with 6 fours) fell early in the day to have Australia reeling at 165 for 5. A crucial 50-run stand between Michael Hussey (39) and Wicket Keeper Brad Haddin (55 from 106 balls with 7 fours) revived the hopes of the visitors. Mitchell Johnson with an unbeaten 40 (from 47 balls with 6 fours) who put up 62 runs with Haddin for the 7th wicket steered Australia to a nerve-wrecking 2-wicket finish.
For the Proteas, Vernon Philander’s 5 for 70 went in vain but he got the consolation of getting the Player of the Series award. Debutant fats bowler Pat Cummins got the Man of the Match award.