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

Scorecard. Tables

Australia opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a crucial 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.