South Africa registered a sensational win against Australia, chasing down a record 414 runs in the fifth day of the WACA Test.South Africa completed the second highest run chase in Test history to claim a six-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth today.
Skipper Graeme Smith led the way with a century chasing a mammoth fourth innings total of 414 runs. The visitors were off to a great start and were aided by special innings from Kallis, Amla and DeVilliers.
The tourists chased down a victory target of 414 with debutant JP Duminy hitting the winning runs before tea on the fifth day at the WACA.
The numbers game at the WACA
AB de Villiers finished unbeaten on 106 and Duminy made 50 not out as South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. The second Test begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
It was the highest successful run chase on Australian soil and second only to the West Indies' 418-run pursuit of Australia in 2002-03.
The foundations for the memorable triumph were laid by captain Graeme Smith, who made 108 on day four, before de Villiers and Duminy completed the win with a partnership of 111.After putting on a 124-run stand for the fourth wicket with AB de Villiers (66 not out), Jacques Kallis became Mitchell Johnson's third wicket of the innings and 11th of the match when he was brilliantly caught by Michael Hussey for 57 attempting a drive that he edged to gully.K
But Duminy showed maturity beyond his years, putting a first-innings failure behind him as he resisted a determined Johnson to join De Villiers in an unbroken century stand which saw the tourists home.
Proteas create history in Perth
With three runs needed, Duminy stroked Johnson through the covers to complete a memorable maiden 50.
A South Africa victory had looked particularly unlikely after the second day - when Johnson produced a sensational spell to take five wickets for two runs as Graeme Smith's men collapsed from 234 for three to 281 all out.
Johnson's haul goes in vain
Johnson took eight for 61 on the way to the first 10-wicket match haul of his Test career.
Some tight bowling and inspired fielding on the third day, combined with a few very sloppy strokes by the Australian top order, saw the home side slump to 162 for seven.
But a sparkling 94 from Brad Haddin, who combined with the tail for 157 runs, allowed Australia to set South Africa 414 over five sessions.
Opener Neil McKenzie went early yesterday, but captain Smith made 108 and combined with Hashim Amla (53) in a stand of 153.
They were both out late on the fourth evening, though, only for Kallis and De Villiers to take up the challenge.
Kallis lived dangerously and offered a few chances after Australia took the new ball 16 overs into the morning.
But after he went, Duminy proved he had the mettle for the contest.
Toothless Aussie bowling attack
Apart from Johnson, Australia's attack lacked bite.
Lee appeared dangerous yesterday but was expensive today, and off-spinner Jason Krejza and pace bowler Peter Siddle also had no joy.
It is the first time Australia have lost the first Test of a series on home soil since they failed against the West Indies in Brisbane during 1988-98.
South Africa therefore have a much-improved chance of winning their first Test series against Australia since the nation's re-introduction to world cricket in 1992.
Should they do so, they would be the first side since the West Indies in 1992-93 to defeat the Aussies at home.Click here for the SCORECARD
