Meg Lanning fought off illness to steer ICC Women’s World Twenty20 holders Australia to a six-wicket win over South Africa in Nagpur.
The 23-year-old struck an unbeaten 30 from 19 balls, adding 52 with Alex Blackwell, to help her side chase 103 with nine deliveries to spare.
Australia were struggling on nine for three in their chase but Blackwell calmed nerves during her 42 not out.
Dane van Niekerk and Trisha Chetty, with 45 and 34 respectively, justified the Proteas’ decision to bat with an opening stand of 72, but when the pair departed they lost regular wickets as Lauren Cheatle and Ellyse Perry both took figures of 2-13.
In the other Group A clash, New Zealand hammered Ireland by 93 runs.
Suzie Bates cracked 82 from 60 balls and Sophie Devine weighed in with a rapid 47 as the White Ferns racked up 177 for three after winning the toss.
Ireland managed only 84 for five in reply.
Source: ECB