Canberra: Brad Hodge excelled with bat and ball as Australia 'A' beat its South African counterpart by 25 runs in the second match of its Limited Overs series at Manuka Oval on Sunday. Hodge top scored with 69 and then took five for 28 off six overs as South Africa was dismissed for 209 in reply to Australia's 234 for eight. The win gave Australia a 2- 0 lead in the best of five One-day series. South Africa was well placed to level the series, having lost the first match by 65 runs in Brisbane on Friday, but lost its last nine wickets for just 41 runs. Hodge's batting contribution was more than double any of his teammates with Ian Harvey and Nathan Hauritz each notching 31. South Africa failed to capitalise on a promising start after opening batsmen Mrone van Wyk (60) and Ahmed Amla (68) put on 101 at just under four an over. It was Hodge who sparked a middle-order collapse after South Africa reached 168 for one. Off spinner Hodge was the sixth bowler employed by Australia 'A' captain Jimmy Maher and he triggered the collapse by trapping Martin van Jaarsveld lbw. Australia slipped to 52 for three before Hodge and World Cup squad member Andrew Symonds (24) put on 48 for the fourth wicket. The loss of three quick wickets reduced Australia to 115 for six, but Hodge and Harvey added 59 for the seventh wicket. Hodge stroked six boundaries in his 98 ball innings. South African World Cup spinner Nicky Boje (four for 44) was the visitors' most successful bowler. The One-day series continues in Melbourne on Tuesday. Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Australia 'A' wins over South African Blues
SA-Aus tour 'A' tie cancelled due to overload

Tags: cricket, brad hodge, australia vs south african, ian harvey, nathan hauritz, mrone van wyk, ahmed amla, jimmy maher, martin van jaarsveld, andrew symonds, nicky boje.