South Africa confirmed that they go into the ICC Cricket World Cup in rude health after they produced a superb performance to defeat Australia by nine wickets in a warm-up game in Bangalore.
Dale Steyn and Robin Peterson both claimed three wickets as Australia were bowled out for 217 and South Africa, led by half-centuries from openers Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla, completed victory with more than five overs in hand.
Fast bowler Steyn had Shane Watson trapped in front for a duck and when opening partner Brad Haddin was run out without scoring, Australia were six for two.
Half-centuries from Ricky Ponting (55) and Michael Clarke (73) steered Australia out of immediate danger, but once they were dismissed, South Africa took complete control.
Steyn returned to end the innings by dismissing John Hastings (14) and Jason Krejza (10), both bowled, after left-arm spinner Peterson removed both Ponting and Clarke, later getting Steven Smith trapped in front for nine.
Cameron White's 22 was Australia's next best score and leg-spinner Imran Tahir continued his good early form by taking one for 32 in nine overs - by far the most economical of the slow bowlers.
Smith then carved 65 in 81 balls with ten fours and Amla 60 in 73 deliveries with seven fours and after both retired to give other batsmen some practice, it was not until the score was on 157 that Australia grabbed a wicket.
It came when Francois du Plessis was run out by Mitchell Johnson for 12 but South Africa were not to be denied, JP Duminy finishing unbeaten on 47 and AB de Villiers on 16 to confirm an emphatic victory for the Proteas.
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