Australia's barren run in limited-overs cricket continued on Sunday as South Africa recorded a six-wicket victory in the first One-Day International.
Australia were bowled out for 152 in 38.1 overs in its first international at home since the infamous ball tampering incident during a test match in Cape Town in March that resulted in captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner being banned from international cricket for 12 months.
South Africa openers Quinton de Kock (47) and Reeza Hendricks (44) both missed out on half centuries before South Africa reached 153-4 with more than 20 overs to spare. Marcus Stoinis grabbed 3-16, but before that both South African openers had featured in a productive 94-run stand.
Fast bowlers Andile Phehlukwayo (3-33), Dale Steyn (2-18) and Lungi Ngidi (2-26) ran through Australia's batting after South Africa captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field.
"Exceptional with the ball and in the field, a very good day in the office," du Plessis said about his team's performance. "Brilliant to have Dale back. It's good to have that x-factor in your bowling attack.
"I'd have liked us to be a little more clinical, maybe eight, nine wickets but we'll take the win."
Steyn did the early damage when he had Travis Head and D'Arcy Short dismissed in his second over while Phehlukwayo and Ngidi struck at regular intervals.
South Africa were clinical in the field with du Plessis taking a sharp two-handed catch in the slip to dismiss Short.
Australia were reeling at 7-89 in the 29th over and was in danger of getting bowled out for less than 100 before No. 9 Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) top scored, hitting five fours and a six.
Coulter-Nile was the last man to be dismissed, giving Heinrich Klaasen his third catch.
De Kock played aggressively and denied Australia's all-out pace attack any success. The left-hander struck seven fours before he holed out at mid-off.
Stoinis then grabbed three quick wickets, but South Africa always were in front to chase down the small total.
"Disappointed, didn't play anywhere near our potential," new Australia ODI captain Aaron Finch said.
"South Africa put us on the back foot early... we were a bit careless at times and were off the mark slightly."
Australia have now lost 17 of their past 19 ODI matches.
