Hobart: Australia beat South Africa by 5 runs in the second ODI of the series at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday (January 18). Shaun Marsh was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Australia's fresh bowling line-up just managed to make up for their costly slip in the first match by shutting out South Africa to level the series at 1-1 in Hobart.

Chasing a victory target of 250 runs, the Proteas got off to a poor start as Ben Hilfenhaus removed Hashim Amla (8) early.

Herschelle Gibbs continued his poor form and managed to score 19 runs off 37 balls before he was dismissed by James Hopes.

At one stage it appeared that Australia would have only themselves to blame. They were 1 for 131 half way through their innings, and 300 was on the cards. Even after half-centurions Marsh and Ponting departed in relative succession, surely Australia should have got 280 from there. But South Africa took five wickets for 53 runs in the last 10 overs, and 7 for 92 in the last 20.

Well folks, its been a terrific match. We will just get you the Man of the Match. It is Shaun Marsh, who backed up his 79 in Melbourne with 78 as Australia secured an important victory.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and put Australia in to bat first, Australia scored 249/9 in the second One-Day International against South Africa at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday.

Brief Score: Australia 249/9 (Marsh 78, Ponting 64, Ntini 3-39) beat South Africa 244/6 (Kallis 72) by 5 runs.
Full Scorecard