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Wolvaardt takes stunning catch to dismiss Wareham

T20 World Cup, Group 1, Edgbaston

Australia 172-8 (20 overs): Litchfield 50 (24), Perry 36 (26); Mlaba 2-22

South Africa 107 (16.4 overs): Wolvaardt 44 (39); Wareham 3-13

Australia won by 65 runs

Australia opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a 65-run victory over fellow contenders South Africa to lay down an early marker in Group One. With 50-over champions India also in this pool, making a tough battle for the two semi-final spots likely, Australia struck an early blow by fighting to 172-8 and confidently defending the total.

They removed Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk in the first seven overs and applied the squeeze as Laura Wolvaardt attempted a rebuild with Marizanne Kapp. Australia had dropped De Klerk in the powerplay but two interventions in the field from Georgia Wareham, who also took 3-13 and contributed an important 32, proved decisive. She ran out the dangerous all-rounder Kapp for 12 with an accurate throw from the deep and then took a smart low catch at cover to see off Wolvaardt for 44.

Afterwards, Australia clinically knocked over the lower order to dismiss the Proteas, who have reached the past three world finals across formats, for 107. Australia, in their first tournament under new captain Sophie Molineux, were below their best with the bat, losing regular wickets, but their impressive depth meant they still posted a testing score.

Wareham's knock came after 50 from Phoebe Litchfield. Ellyse Perry also contributed 36. South Africa may now have to beat India when the sides meet on Sunday, 21 June on the same ground.

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Some have tipped India for this tournament, after they broke their World Cup duck to win the 50-over title last year. Others have suggested it is South Africa's turn after three near misses, while England's impressive start has boosted growing expectations. But this, if it was ever needed, was a reminder of Australia's quality. They may not have won either of the past two World Cups but remain the side to beat.

Georgia Voll, Litchfield, who timed the ball better than anyone else in taking on seamer Shabnim Ismail to make a 23-ball fifty, Ashleigh Gardner and Wareham all chipped catches into the ring but Australia still had Annabel Sutherland, someone with four Test hundreds, walking out at number seven.

Teetering at 62-4 and 133-6, Australia refused to be tied down. Bar Voll, who was out for a four-ball duck, almost everyone contributed. South Africa, perhaps, misread the pitch. They hit Australia with pace whereas Molineux and Alana King took two wickets with their spin, and Gardner contributed another in addition to Wareham's three.

Molineux has the benefit of so many bowling options and here, showcasing their new era on the big stage for the first time, Australia looked no different to previous quality sides in green and gold.