Colombo: South Africa lost early wickets after Australia put them into bat after winning toss in their Group 2 match of Super Eights round on Sunday.
Xavier Doherty sent Richard Levi and Jacques Kallis to pavilion even before the South Africans’ score could touch the double figure.
South Africa would be out of the tournament if they lose the match; it is do or die for them.
Australia outclassed India in their previous match on September 28 while an unfortunate South Africa were defeated by Pakistan after right-arm fast bowler Umar Gul stole the show with his bat.
South Africa team:
Richard Levi, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (captain and wicket-keeper), Jean-Paul Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel.
Australia team:
Shane Watson, David Warner, Michael Hussey, George Bailey (captain), Cameron White, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Brad Hogg, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty.