Southern Stars beat South Africa
Ellyse Perry helped restrict South Africa to 226. (Getty Images)
Elyse Perry has masterminded a tense two-wicket Australian win against South Africa in the women's cricket international in Canberra.
Chasing 227, Perry produced a classical 93 not out on Friday and cracked a cover drive for four of the second-last ball to seal Australia's triumph.
Perry's match-winning knock came after she took 2-33 in South Africa's challenging total of 5-226 at Manuka Oval.
Perry appeared to be running out of partners with the bat, with Australia's run chase wobbling to 5-127 in the 35th over.
But she found support from Alyssa Healy (28 from 29 balls) in a scrapping 52-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Perry then expertly steered the tail and took advantage of late power play field restrictions, hitting six fours and two sixes.
South African Sune Luus also turned in a fine all-round game, opening the batting and top-scoring with 52 from 90 balls.
Luus then claimed three wickets with her leg-spin as the tourists eyed a first-ever limited-overs victory against Australia.
But Perry's cool hand delivered the hosts a stirring triumph in the opening of the best-of-five series.
The nations meet again on Sunday in Canberra before games in North Sydney and Coffs Harbour.
