Melbourne, Jan 17 : Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes that a new rule favouring the batting team could be a major tactical advancement in one-day cricket.

The first ODI game between Australia and South Africa at the MCG was the first international Down Under where batting sides could nominate a five-over power play, where only three fielders are permitted outside the infield.

The rule was introduced globally late last year, and Australia saw its potential on Friday night, as South Africa took full toll of their power play to win by three wickets, with three balls remaining, FOX Sports reported.

"They ended up using theirs a lot better than what we did. Morkel is hitting there at the end, 40 off 18 balls, was probably the difference," Ponting said.

South Africa took 48 runs from their power play from the 45th over - including three overs which yielded 12, 13 and 18 runs - while in contrast Australia took 43 runs from their block, from the 42nd over.

Ponting said the new rule could have a major impact on future one-dayers. "If you use it well it can definitely be," he said.

"Teams are going to have different tactics on it and probably different tactics on different grounds, when they're going to use it. Teams in international cricket now are just learning about it and are trying to find the best way to use it in their game," Ponting added.

Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel utilized the new rule to smash 40 not out from 18 balls as he and captain Johan Botha (12 not out) peeled off a match-winning partnership of 51 from 35 balls.

Their stand took South Africa from 7-221 in the 44th over to 7-272, and a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. (ANI)