EAST LONDON. South Africa. Apr 3: Twins Mark and Steve Waugh forged an unbroken partnership

of 88 ,lo help Australia to a resounding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in a daynight International on Saturday. reports Reuter.

After bowling out South Africa for Just 158 in 49.5 overs on a slow, green wicket the touring side took control of the game, scoring 159 for three in 40 overs.

Mark was forced to play second fiddle to Steve who batted with skill, aggression and improvisation.

He reached a brilliant half-century with seven boundaries from Just 48 deliveries. Of the 88 runs the pair added. Mark's share was only 19.

Steve finished unbeaten on 67 with 11 fours from only 60 balls, while Mark's 21 not out came from a sedate 45 deliveries.

A solid opening partnership of 57 between Michael Slater and David Boon laid the foundations for the victory.

But Slater. . who was dropped on 27 and 30. drove once too often and was caught at extra cover for 31. Boon followed soon after, run out for 30 by Jonty Rhodes after a nervous call from batting partner Dean Jones.

When Jones departed to a dubious lbw decision for just eight. Australia had lost three wickets for the addition of only 14 runs In six overs

But Mark Waugh, fresh from his undefeated century in the third Test match In Durban, and Steve revived Australia * fortunes with an unrelenting series of lofted drives and square cuts which took Australia to a comfortable victory. reducing their deficit in the eight match series to 3-2.

South Africa's moderate total of 158 had been built around Peter Kirsten's 106-ball innings of 53.

But with both Australian spinners, Tim May and Shane Warne, finding exaggerated turn to complement the accuracy of seamers Glenn McGrath. Paul Reiffel and Steve Waugh, South Africa's batsmen were never able to break the stranglehold on an awkward wicket.

Allan Border was surprisingly named man-of-the-match for his bowling return of three for 27 from seven over and five balls although the night undoubtedly belonged to the Waughs.

SCOREBOARD

Scoreboard in the day-night international between South Africa and Australia on Saturday.

SOUTH AFRICA

Hudson c Warne b Reiffel 14 P Kirsten c M Waugh b

Wame 53

Cronje c Wame b May 10