CAPE TOWN, March 4: South Africa crushed Australia by a record margin of 196 runs on Friday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series of One-day Internationals (partly reported in Saturday’s edition).

Paceman Makhaya Ntini picked up six wickets as Australia were bowled out for 93 in the day-night match, giving South Africa their biggest win over the world champions.

Australia’s total was their worst against South Africa, the previous lowest being 125 in Melbourne in 1997-98.

Ntini’s spell included an accurate new-ball burst which left Australia reeling at seven for four in the 10th over. He finished with six for 22, the best by a South African in one-dayers.

In the process, Ntini became only the third South African to take 200 wickets in One-day Internationals after emulating the achievements of Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock.

Ntini’s match figures were also the best by a South African, surpassing Donald’s return of six for 23 against Kenya in Nairobi in 1996.

Chasing 290 to win, Australia were in disarray from the second over.

With Shaun Pollock, who bowled seven overs for nine runs, concentrating on line and length, Ntini was able to roar in and he had Australia on the back foot from his first ball, removing Adam Gilchrist for a single.

Gilchrist did not bother waiting for the umpire’s decision after a fine inside edge to wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.

Phil Jaques, called up after the injuries sustained by captain Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds, lasted four balls before Ntini had him caught at second slip.

Damien Martyn (four) hooked a well-directed Ntini bouncer to fine leg and Michael Clarke (one) gifted another catch to Boucher.

Mike Hussey (22) and Shane Watson (27) were the only batsmen to make it past 20.

The third match is in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

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