Perth: Failing light denied South Africa 'A' victory over Australia 'A' as the visiting team fell just five runs short in a thrilling run chase at the end of a three-day clash at the WACA Ground here on Monday. Set 306 to win from 75 overs, the South Africans had Martin van Jaarsveld to thank for taking them to within a whisker of a win after his imperious 140 almost steered them home. A stirring 274-run partnership between Michael Hussey (145) and skipper Simon Katich (134 not out) looked to have given Australia 'A' the upper hand earlier in the day, but van Jaarsveld's 16 fours and two sixes in his 150-ball knock almost completed a memorable result. Only Tasmania's Damien Wright caused South Africa any real problems, as he captured 4-60 to finish with seven wickets for the match. Australia 'A's massive second-wicket partnership saw both Katich and Hussey relishing the chance to open their shoulders on home soil. Australia 'A' declared with 307 for two. As the South Africans recovered from a poor start, van Jaarsveld and Mornie van Wyk put together a 129-run partnership in 82 minutes. Justin Kemp kept up the impetus with a quick-fire 27, and van Jaarsveld looked to have steered them home until he was caught behind trying an ambitious hook. After wicket-keeper Thami Tsolekile was almost felled by a Michael Lewis bouncer, the umpires ruled the light was too dangerous for a continuation, much to the South Africans' displeasure, leaving the contest drawn. Copyright AFP 2001

Tags: cricket, south africa 'a' cricket team versus australia 'a' cricket team, waca ground, martin van jaarsveld, michael hussey, skipper simon katich, damien wright, mornie van wyk, justin kemp, thami tso.