Australians continue to set the pace with win over South Africa

In their ICC Under-19 World Cup Super League game at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln, Australia beat South Africa by five wickets today.

Australia remain the tournament front runner and provided another proficient all-round performance.

Coach Wayne Phillips told CricInfo: "Mature is probably a very good word to use. These are capable, committed young men and their cricket reflected that."

Man of the match George Bailey, with 54 not out off 52 balls, was one of Phillips' grown-up young men who played a key role today.

"He's one of our senior players, one of our 'go to' men and he's just continued his development. We hold out high hopes for his future," said Phillips.

The Australians played like their senior team used to, with a varied bowling attack setting up a talented batting order that could hope for runs to at least No 8 Daniel Christian who was not needed to bat.

"It's always been in our planning to bat deep into the order," Phillips continued.

The top three, all left-handers, echoed Australia's opening trio of Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Particularly convincing was the unruffled way the capable Australians chased the highest second innings total made in the tournament so far.

Australia's Craig Simmons scored 52 off 76 balls, fellow opener Jarrad Burke rode his luck for 31 and Shaun Marsh, watched by father Geoff, made 22 before pulling to Jimmy Cook's son Stephen at deep square leg.

Captain Cameron White kept the run rate required manageable with 36 off 46 balls, Mark Cosgrove chipped in with 19, then Bailey and Adam Crosthwaite calmly saw the impressive Australians home.

South Africa made 237/7 total off their 50 overs. Both Cook and Ryan Bailey made 48, and both were run out by direct hits from Australian wicketkeeper Adam Crosthwaite.

Ryan McLaren made an astute unbeaten 39, while Brendon Reddy belted 27 off 18 balls at the death.

Right handed Bailey and left-handed all-rounder McLaren came together with South Africa struggling at 130/5, but added 55 in 53 balls with some sound hitting.

The score may have been daunting to some teams, but the Australians worked the ball around the large oval, picking up the twos and threes, as Phillips targeted. "They're spaces, not gaps," he emphasised.

The lack of a high score and a substantial partnership, as well as the run outs, was probably what cost the competitive South Africans the game.

Australia meet England on Wednesday. "We had some quite competitive matches with them in Adelaide before both teams came to New Zealand," said Phillips.

As ever, the Australian was looking forward to the match, adding, with a glance across the Tasman to the form (up until recently) of the Australian senior team, "if they can play like their heroes then that's pretty good for them."