Aussies clinch series victory

Australia wrapped up a series victory against South Africa today, winning the Second Test at Newlands by four wickets thanks to an unbeaten 100 from Ricky Ponting.

The number three batsman finished the match with a six.

South Africa had been on the back foot since the opening day and set Australia a second innings target of 331, which they reached with relative comfort despite a late wobble.

Australia began the day on 131 for one and it was Ponting, 17 not out overnight, who laid the foundations for the win with a 99-run second wicket partnership with Matthew Hayden.

Hayden, eventually dismissed for 96, began Australia's victory charge as they recorded the highest ever fourth innings winning total at Newlands, beating the previous figure of 180.

It was also only the 10th time a side have successfully chased a total of 331 or more to win a Test, with six of those by Australian sides, and gave the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.